fleet, Hiryū, was damaged six hours later. The actual sinking of all four carriers was done by torpedoes from Japanese escort ships as the Japanese were unable to move their crippled carriers and did not want them to be captured. McClusky, for his vital contribution to the outcome of this pivotal battle, was awarded the Navy Cross. Later in World War II, he commanded the escort carrier . After the war 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. McClusky retired from active duty in July 1956 as a Captain but was promoted administratively to Rear Admiral. U.S. Navy policy at the time allowed officers who earned a personal award for heroism (his Navy Cross) to advance one grade upon retirement but without pay. This policy was unofficially known as a promotion to "tombstone Admiral" with the thought being the individual would have that rank inscribed on his tombstone. The policy ended in the early 1960s. Admiral McClusky's tombstone at the United States Naval Academy cemetery has his rank inscribed as Rear Admiral. The Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park has commissioned and dedicated a bronze sculpture of McClusky's likeness. It stands in the museum. Namesakes was named in his honor. The Wade McClusky Award is given annually to the most outstanding attack squadron in the US Navy. Portrayal in media In the 1949 film Task Force, McClusky was portrayed by actor Bruce Bennett. In the 1976 film Midway, he was portrayed by actor Christopher George. In the 1988 TV miniseries War and Remembrance, he was portrayed by actor Earl Hindman. In the 2019 film Midway'', McClusky was portrayed by actor Luke Evans. References Sources External links 1902 births 1976 deaths American people of Irish descent American people of Scotch-Irish descent Battle of Midway Burials at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery Military personnel from Buffalo, New York Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) Recipients of the Legion of Merit Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States) United States Naval Academy alumni United States Navy rear admirals United States Navy pilots of World War II