This Military Service Page was created/owned by
William James Beckwith, GM2
to remember
Clark, Paul Leaman, MoMM3c.
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Contact Info
Home Town Savannah
Last Address Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl
Date of Passing Jan 30, 2002
Location of Interment Jersey City and Harsimus Cemetery - Jersey City, New Jersey
Wall/Plot Coordinates Unknown
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
Fireman First Class Paul Leaman Clark displayed extraordinary devotion to duty in the face of enemy fire while serving as a landing boat engineer attached to the USS Joseph T. Dickman during the allied assault on French Morocco during World War II. Clark served as beach master where he supervised the unloading of soldiers and supplies from the transports on the beach. This was an especially hazardous duty, as once disembarked from the landing crafts, soldiers were vulnerable to enemy fire. Early into the assault, which lasted from November 8-11, 1942, Clark was unloading a transport when a hostile plane battered his boat with machinegun fire. The heavy fire mortally wounded the bowman and severely injured the coxswain. Showing unsurpassed courage and initiative Clark took control of the boat and withdrew from the beach with the injured crewmember aboard. Clark sped towards the nearby USS Palmer and transferred the wounded man to safety. Although enemy bullets had already punctured his craft, he courageously returned to his station at the beach and completed the boat�??s mission. The torrential gunfire led 21 of the 32 boats to be lost at the landing during the duration of the assault. These harrowing wartime conditions did not hamper Clark, instead he rose to the occasion with fierce bravery in the highest traditions of military service. For his courage that day, Clark was awarded the Navy Cross.
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Fireman First Class Paul Leaman Clark, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving as Engineer of a landing boat attached to the U.S.S. JOSEPH T. DICKMAN (AP-26) during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 to 11 November 1942. When a hostile plane strafed his boat with machinegun fire, mortally wounding the bow man and severely injuring the coxswain, Fireman First Class Clark with quick initiative immediately withdrew from the beach. Speeding toward the U.S.S. PALMER, he placed the wounded men aboard and, although his craft was riddled by enemy bullets, courageously returned to his station at the beach and completed his boat's mission. The conduct of Fireman First Class Clark throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
