A contested passage during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation placed political and command demands on a seemingly modest ship. Michael Clapp was ordered to take a Ton-class minesweeper through waters that another party had declared closed. Jets overflew the ship and boats made threatening mock attacks while the crew manned its weapons. Clapp held course, kept the ship ready, and refused to fire first despite the pressure. He completed the passage and was mentioned in dispatches for preserving both discipline and the government's freedom of action.
Notable Point · 1:19:51-1:21:13
Michael Clapp holds fire under pressure
Commanding a Ton-class minesweeper, Michael Clapp maintained course and fire discipline while aircraft and boats conducted threatening mock attacks.