Return to Naval History and Heritage Command home page. Return to Online Library listing

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Photo # NH 93186: Commander Clarence Wade McClusky poses on a F4F fighter plane, 6 February 1943

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --

Rear Admiral Clarence Wade McClusky, Jr., USN (Retired), (1902-1976)

Clarence W. McClusky, Jr. was born in Buffalo, New York, on 1 June 1902. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1926 and became a Naval Aviator three years later. Over the next decade, he served in several air units, as well as on command staffs, as an instructor at the Naval Academy and at shore facilities. In 1940 he was assigned to Fighting Squadron Six (VF-6), based on USS Enterprise (CV-6), and assumed command of that squadron in April 1941.

Lieutenant Commander McClusky became Enterprise air group commander in April 1942. During the Battle of Midway, while leading his air group's scout bombers on 4 June 1942, he made the critical tactical decision that led to the destruction of the Japanese aircraft carriers Kaga and Akagi, thus making a vital contribution to the outcome of that pivotal battle. Later in World War II, he commanded the escort carrier USS Corregidor (CVE-58).

Captain McClusky served in a variety of staff and shore positions in the later 1940s. During the Korean War, he was Chief of Staff to the Commanders of the First and Seventh Fleets. He commanded Naval Air Station, Glenview, Illinois, in 1952-53, and the Boston Group of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in 1954-56. Clarence W. McClusky, Jr., retired from active duty in July 1956. At that time, in recognition of his vital contributions to the outcome of World War II, he was advanced to Flag rank. Rear Admiral McClusky died on 27 June 1976.

USS McClusky (FFG-41) was named in his honor.

This page features all pictures we have concerning Clarence Wade McClusky, Jr.


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

Photo #: NH 93186

Commander Clarence Wade McClusky, Jr., USN


Poses by the cockpit of a Grumman F4F "Wildcat" fighter, at Naval Air Station, Alameda, California, 6 February 1943.
Note his "Aviation Green" uniform, and the plane's reflector gunsight.

Courtesy of Mrs. C.W. McClusky, Jr., 1982.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Online Image: 109KB; 595 x 765 pixels

 
Photo #: 80-G-425912

Stunt Fliers of Squadron VF-1B


Photographed 16 August 1929, posed in front of a Boeing F2B-1 fighter plane. VF-1B was assigned to USS Saratoga (CV-3).
Those present are identified in Photo # 80-G-425912 (Complete caption).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

Online Image: 96KB; 740 x 575 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 
Photo #: 80-G-464482

USS Enterprise (CV-6)


Pilots of Fighting Squadron Six (VF-6) photographed on board Enterprise in January 1942, prior to the Marshall Islands raid. Aircraft behind them is a Grumman F4F-3 "Wildcat" fighter.
Those present are identified in Photo # 80-G-464482 (Complete caption).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

Online Image: 109KB; 740 x 570 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 
Photo #: 80-G-23590

Lieutenant Commander Clarence W. McClusky, Jr., USN,

Air Group Commander, USS Enterprise (CV-6)

Receives the Distinguished Flying Cross from Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, at an awards ceremony held on the Enterprise's flight deck at Pearl Harbor, 27 May 1942.
In the foreground, right, is Mess Attendant Second Class Doris Miller, who received the Navy Cross.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 96KB; 740 x 615 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 
Photo #: NH 93187

Commander Clarence Wade McClusky, Jr., USN


Portrait photograph, taken circa 1943.

Courtesy of Mrs. C.W. McClusky, Jr., 1982.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Online Image: 64KB; 580 x 765 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 93189

Captain Clarence Wade McClusky, Jr., USN


Photograph taken circa 1943-44.

Courtesy of Mrs. C.W. McClusky, Jr., 1982.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Online Image: 67KB; 600 x 765 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 93188

Captain Clarence Wade McClusky, Jr., USN


Photographed at his desk, probably in the later 1940s or early 1950s.

Courtesy of Mrs. C.W. McClusky, Jr., 1982.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Online Image: 96KB; 740 x 615 pixels

 


NOTES:

  • To the best of our knowledge, the pictures referenced here are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded and used for any purpose.

  • Some images linked from this page may bear obsolete credit lines citing the organization name: "Naval Historical Center". Effective 1 December 2008 the name should be cited as: "Naval History and Heritage Command".


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


    Return to Naval History and Heritage Command home page.

    Page made 9 May 1999
    Coding updated 6 May 2009