Assembly Resolution No. 700

BY: M. of A. Kearns

COMMEMORATING the heroics of Rear Admiral C. Wade
McClusky with the unveiling of a statue in his
likeness as part of a new public memorial dedicated
to local war heroes

WHEREAS, New York State has long been the birthplace and home to
great historical figures, men and women who, through their great
personal and professional achievements, have furthered the causes of
humanity, government, education, medicine, social reform and science;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the heroics of Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky with the
unveiling of a statue in his likeness as part of a new public memorial
dedicated to local war heroes on Sunday, June 4, 2017, in Buffalo, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky was born in Buffalo, New
York, on June 1, 1902; after graduating from South Park High School in
1918, he completed his military studies at the United States Naval
Academy in 1926; and

WHEREAS, Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky was a true American patriot,
soldier, and citizen; in 1929, he began his distinguished career as a
Naval Aviator; throughout the next decade, he served in several air
units and command staffs, as well as an instructor at the Naval Academy
and at shore facilities; and

WHEREAS, In 1940, Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky was assigned to the
Fighting Squadron Six (VF-6), based on the USS Enterprise; in April of
1941, he assumed command of the squadron; and

WHEREAS, Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky showed extraordinary courage
and wisdom during the Battle of Midway, a decisive naval battle in the
Pacific Theater of World War II; and

WHEREAS, In late May of 1942, a large Japanese fleet was steaming
toward the United States sea and air bases on Midway atoll, located
about 1,300 miles northwest of Honolulu, Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, The United States Navy ordered its only three aircraft
carriers in the Pacific Ocean, the "Yorktown", "Hornet", and
"Enterprise" to head off the attack; Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky's air
squadron was tasked with finding the Japanese warships and sinking them;
and

WHEREAS, Approximately two hours into the search and running low on
gas, Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky ordered his squadron to continue
looking for the ships; and

WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky spotted a
Japanese destroyer and correctly surmised it was headed toward the main

Japanese fleet; around 10:20 a.m., he led 30 other Douglas SBD Dauntless
dive bombers into the attack against the Japanese aircraft carriers; and

WHEREAS, By the end of the day, the fliers from the "Enterprise" and
"Yorktown" had sunk three carriers and mortally damaged a fourth; Rear
Admiral C. Wade McClusky, wounded in the initial attack, made it back to
his carrier with less than five gallons of fuel in his tank; 10 planes
were ditched in the sea and unfortunately, their crews were never found;
and

WHEREAS, For his meritorious actions at Midway, Rear Admiral C. Wade
McClusky was awarded the Navy Cross, one of the United States military's
highest decorations; and

WHEREAS, Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky then commanded the escort
carrier "USS Corregidor"; in the late 1940s, he served in a variety of
staff and shore positions; and

WHEREAS, During the Korean War, Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky served
as Chief of Staff to the Commanders of the First and Seventh Fleets;
from 1952-1953, he directed Naval Air Station Glenview, Illinois; for
the next two years, he led the Boston Group of the Atlantic Reserve
Fleet; and

WHEREAS, In July of 1956, Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky retired from
active duty; in recognition of his vital contributions to the outcome of
World War II, he was advanced to flag rank; and

WHEREAS, Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky died on June 27, 1976, at the
age of 74; and

WHEREAS, Americans must never forget Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky's
exceptional achievements, courage and commitment to the United States
and humanity as a whole; and

WHEREAS, Individuals who dedicate their lives to military service
merit the commendation and applause of all citizens for their commitment
to the preservation of American freedom; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the heroics of Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky with the
unveiling of a statue in his likeness as part of a new public memorial
dedicated to local war heroes; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Rear Admiral C. Wade McClusky, and South
Park High School.