Biography

Captain Douglas Alan Clark USN (Ret.) Class of '40
Douglas A. Clark "crossed the bar" at age 95 while sleeping peacefully in his home, Boca Raton, FL on August 6, 2012. He was graduated from the USNA with the Class of 1940. While serving as a Naval Aviator aboard the USS BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24) in the vicinity of the Japanese Home Islands and as Flight Leader of VF-30, he was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism.

Full citations at http://www.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-award /recipient.php?recipientid=19899. Capt. Clark was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 26, 1917 and was the son of Clarence L. and Ella Rice Clark. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Susan Rankin Clark and his sister, Shirley Clark Hodges. He is survived and proudly remembered by his daughter, Frances McCampbell Ring of Boca Raton, FL, as well as by two granddaughters; two nephews, Clark and Douglas Hodges; a niece, Susan Hodges; his grandnephews and cousins. After a distinguished naval career, Capt. Clark was very active in his retired life and was greatly respected and admired by all who knew him. He will long be remembered for his humble heroism and dedication to the men with whom he served; his "Doug Clark smile" and wry humor. Services and interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery are tentatively scheduled for Spring 2013. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warriors' Project would be greatly appreciated.

Awards and Citations
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Douglas Alan Clark, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Flight Leader in Fighting Squadron THIRTY (VF-30), attached to the U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Japanese Home Islands on 21 March 1945. Leading a combat air patrol protecting the Task Force, Lieutenant Commander Clark directed his squadron in a devastating attack on a large enemy bomber formation despite the presence of high enemy fighter cover. Although his flight was greatly outnumbered by the enemy, he personally shot down one hostile fighter and damaged another, thereby aiding in turning back the threat to the security of our Task Force and contributing to the destruction of the enemy bombers without the loss of a single friendly plane. His airmanship, courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Action Date: 21-Mar-45
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Fighting Squadron 30 (VF-30)
Division: U.S.S. Belleau Wood (CVL-24)