Captain Douglas Alan Clark (May 26, 1917 – August 6, 2012) was an American fighter pilot who received the Navy Cross for his actions while commanding Fighting Squadron Thirty (VF-30), attached to the USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24), on 21 March 1945. Then-Lieutenant Commander Clark, while on combat air patrol, directed his squadron to attack an enemy formation of Japanese bombers which was heavily protected by fighters. Even though his squadron was significantly outnumbered, they were able to shoot down over 40 enemy aircraft in 30 minutes without suffering one loss. Clark himself shot down one enemy fighter and damaged another during the confrontation. His quick action and the superiority of his squadron turned back what would surely have been a devastating attack on his carrier group.
Along with the Navy Cross, Captain Clark received three Distinguished Flying Crosses, five Air Medals, and a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal during his time in combat in the Pacific Theater as a naval aviator. After the war, he took part in the development of the Navy's jet fighter program, as well as served in the Pentagon.
Clark retired from the U.S. Navy in 1963, and moved to south Florida where he lived until his death on August 6, 2012, at the age of 95. He was buried in section 8 at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
Medals and Accolades Captain Douglas Alan Clark received the following medals:
BadgeNaval Aviator Badge1st rowNavy CrossDistinguished Flying Crossw/ 2 service stars2nd rowAir Medal w/ 4 service starsNavy and Marine Corps Commendation MedalPresidential Unit Citation (Navy and Marine Corps)w/ 1 service star3rd rowAmerican Defense Service Medal w/ Atlantic DeviceEAME Campaign MedalAmerican Campaign Medal4th rowAsiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal w/ 4 service starsWorld War II Victory MedalNavy Occupation Service Medal
References
External links Military Awards for Valor - Top 3 (U.S. Dept of Defense) Military Times "Hall of Valor" - AWARDS AND CITATIONS Home of Heroes - Recipients of Navy Cross, WWII United States Naval Academy Obituary