AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  F-4F

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to Lieutenant Clanton W. Clampitt, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over the Japanese home island of Kyushu on 4 July 1945. As a pilot of one of four photographic reconnaissance planes, he skillfully and daringly guided his plane over two flight lines, each eighty miles long, covering the entire width of the island. In spite of heavy enemy opposition, he held his course two miles from neighboring planes so that excellent coverage of enemy territory was made. The value of these photographs was great and his conduct in obtaining them was in keeping with the finest tradition of the United States Navy.