AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Thomas P. Clark, Jr., for heroism and extraordinary achievement while serving with Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 232, Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 August 1969, Captain Clark launched as Naval Flight Officer aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of two F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned the mission of providing close air support for the resupply of a reconnaissance patrol which was heavily engaged in combat with a hostile force on a mountain twelve miles west of DaNang. Arriving over the designated area, he found that an overcast ceiling of 200 feet above landing zone, haze, and deteriorating weather conditions would severely restrict visibility and his area of maneuverability and was informed by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) that two landing attempts by transport helicopters were aborted because of the extremely heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons fire. When his Phantom was maneuvered on a low-altitude identification run, Captain Clark alertly located the friendly position while his pilot observed the muzzle flashes from enemy weapons firing from a ravine seventy-five meters from the landing zone. Undaunted by the intensity of the hostile fire directed at his aircraft and the requirement to climb into the overcast at the end of each run, navigate by instruments to the run-in heading, and then relocate the target, he skillfully monitored his instruments and equipment, rapidly computed navigational and ordnance release data, and provided a continuous flow of vital information which enabled his pilot to execute repeated bombing runs and deliver all of his ordnance upon the target with pinpoint accuracy. As a result of his flight's devastating attacks, the transport helicopter was able to land, discharge its supplies, and depart from the precarious area. Captain Clark's courage, superior professionalism, and unwavering devotion to duty in the fact of great personal danger were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.