destroyer escort, in addition to numerous Japanese aircraft. His quick thinking, careful planning, and fighting spirit were responsible for a maximum of damage done to the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States naval service."

GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF SECOND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

"For exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as commander, Task Group Fifty-eight Point One during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Tokyo area and the Ryukyus, and in supporting operations at Okinawa, from February 10 to May 29, 1945. Maintaining his task group in a high state of combat readiness, Rear Admiral Clark skillfully deployed the forces at his disposal for maximum effectiveness against the enemy. Directing operations with brilliant and forceful leadership, he was responsible for the swift interception of Japanese air groups flying in to attack our surface units and by his prompt and accurate decisions, effected extensive and costly destruction in enemy planes thereby minimizing the danger to our ships and personnel. As a result of his bold and aggressive tactics against hostile surface units on March 24 and 28, the planes of Task Group Fifty-eight Point One launched a fierce aerial attack against a convoy of eight enemy ships near the Ryukyu Islands to sink the entire convoy during the first engagement and a hostile destroyer and destroyer escort in the second. Courageous and determined in combat, Rear Admiral Clark served as an inspiration to the officers and men of his command and his successful fulfillment of a vital mission contributed essentially to the ultimate defeat of the Japanese Empire."

PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION, U. S. S. "HORNET"

"For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the air, ashore, and afloat in the Pacific war area from March 29, 1944, to June 10, 1945. Operating continuously in the most forward areas, the U. S. S. Hornet and her air groups struck crushing blows toward annihilating Japanese fighting power; they provided air cover for our amphibious forces; they fiercely countered the enemy's aerial attacks and destroyed his planes; and they inflicted terrific losses on the Japanese in fleet and merchant marine units sunk or damaged. Daring and dependable in combat, the Hornet with her gallant officers and men rendered loyal service in achieving the ultimate defeat of the Japanese Empire." Returning to the United States in June 1945, Rear Admiral Clark assumed duty as Chief, Naval Air Intermediate Training Command, with headquarters at Corpus Christi, Tex., on June 27, 1945, and served in this capacity until September 1946. On September 7, 1946, he assumed duty as Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Air), Navy Department, Washington, D. C.

In addition to the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star, the Legion of Merit, the Silver Star Medal, the Commendation Ribbon, and the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon with two stars, Rear Admiral Clark has the Victory Medal, Escort Clasp (U. S. S. North Carolina), and is entitled to the American Defense Service Medal with Bronze "A" (for service in the old U. S. S. Yorktown, which operated in actual or potential belligerent contact with the Axis Forces in the Atlantic Ocean prior to December 7, 1941); the European-AfricanMiddle Eastern Area Campaign Medal with one bronze star; the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal with twelve bronze stars; the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star; and the World War II Victory Medal. His official address is 324 East Eighth Street, Chelsea, Okla.

NAVAL AND MARINE CORPS WITNESSES WHO DESIRED TO TESTIFY ON H. R. 2319, BUT WHO COULD NOT BE CALLED BECAUSE OF THE CLOSING OF HEARINGS Mr. Artemas Gates, New York Trust Co., 10 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, N. Y.

Maj. Gen. William J. Donovan, 2 Wall Street, New York, N. Y. Maj. Gen. Graves B. Erskine, on temporary duty at marine headquarters, Washington, D. C.

Maj. Gen. Clifton B. Cates, commanding general, marine base, Quantico, Va. Capt. G. G. H. Hall, Aeronautical Board, 1701 "L" Building, Washington, D. C. Rear Adm. Clifford A. Swanson, Surgeon General of the Navy, Federal Board of Hospitalization, 1724 F St., Washington, D. C.

Rear Adm. L. C. Stevens, Assistant Chief for Research, Development, and Engineering, Bureau of Aeronautics, 2085 Navy Department Building, Washington, D. C.

Rear Adm. M. L. King, Deputy Chief, Procurement Policy, Material Division, Office of Assistant Secretary of Navy, Washington, D. C.

Brig. Gen. G. C. Thomas, Plans and Policies, United States Marine Corps, Navy Department, Washington, D. C.

Rear Adm. O. S. Colclough, Judge Advocate General of the Navy, Navy Department, Washington, D. C.

Fleet Adm. William F. Halsey, Navy Department, Washington, D. C.

Capt. J. P. W. Vest, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, U. S. S. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Portsmouth, Va.

Mr. Ralph Bard, Eversharp, Inc., Chicago, Ill.

Vice Adin. Donald B. Duncan, Deputy Chief, Naval Operations for Air, Navy Department, Washington, D. C.

Brig. Gen. William A. Worton, United States Marine Corps.

Rear Adm. Austin K. Doyle.

Rear Adm. Earnest W. Litch.

Rear Adm. William G. Tomlinson.

Rear Adm. Richard Whitehead.

Maj. Gen. Field Harris, United States Marine Corps.

Colonel Jerome, United States Marine Corps.

Capt. Aurileus B. Vosseller.

Capt. George W. Anderson.

Capt. Herbert Riely.

Capt. Robert Goldthwaite.
Commander Charles Lanman.

Hon. CLAIRE E. HOFFMAN,

NAVY LEAGUE of the UNITED STATES,
The Mills Building, Washington 6, D. C.

Chairman, Expenditures Committee,

House of Representatives, Eightieth Congress:

The Navy League of the United States, America's pioneer defense organization, wishes to have the record on the armed force unification bill now in hearing show the league's correct position.

Regardless of the attitude of previous officials of the Navy League, it is the sense of the present administration that the Navy League of the United States is opposed to the unification bill and holds the belief that the passage of this legislation will definitely not be in the best interests of national security.

FRANK A. HECHT, President.

INDEX

(See DEPARTMENT OF AIR DEPARTMENT OF AIR FORCE-Con.