DICKINSON, CLARENCE – REAR ADMIRAL, U.S. NAVY
Class of 1932Service: U.S. Navy
Service Dates: 1934-1954
Rank: Rear Admiral
Notable: Battle of Midway
Rear Admiral Clarence Dickinson graduated from the Annapolis Naval Academy in 1934. On the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor, his unit was the Sixth Squadron VS6, he was at sea with the USS Enterprise. Sent to Hawaii the day of the attack on a Reconnaissance mission, his plane was attacked by embarked Japanese fighters which shot it down, killing its tail gunner. However, he managed to escaped by parachute, landed near Ewa Airfield, and proceeded to the naval air station, Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. After that he was immediately assigned to a 175 mile aerial search operations at sea, his recent ordeal not having been reported to his superiors.
He then participated in the raid on the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and in the Battle of Midway (June 4-6, 1942) as second in command of the Sixth Squadron, then commanded by Lieutenant Richard Best. In the attack on the Japanese fleet, Dickinson and 4 dive bombers from his squadron attacked the Japanese Aircraft Carrier Kaga scoring the third of four hits with 250 kg bombs disabling the large carrier. After the attack, he was shot down by Japanese fighters, managed to survive along with his gunner, was rescued and returned to service.
At the end of the war, Lieutenant Dickinson's outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He was the only serviceman to receive three Navy Crosses, and he ended his military career with the rank of Rear Admiral (a rank equivalent to Vice Admiral).
Accolades: 3 Navy Cross, Air Medal
Accolades: 3 Navy Cross, Air Medal