Joseph J. Clark

Admiral Joseph James "Jocko" Clark, USN (November 12, 1893 – July 13, 1971) was an admiral in the U.S. Navy, who commanded aircraft carriers during World War II. A native of Oklahoma, Clark was of Cherokee heritage. He was the first Native American to graduate from the United States Naval Academy, in 1917.

Related Topics:
November 12 - 1893 - July 13 - 1971 - U.S. Navy - Aircraft carrier - World War II - Oklahoma - Cherokee - United States Naval Academy

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During World War II, he commanded the carriers Suwannee (ACV-27) and Yorktown (CV-10). In 1944 he was promoted to Rear Admiral and given a task group of Task Force 58, which he commanded in the Marianas campaign, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea. On the second day of the battle, with his planes returning after sundown, Clark order his ships to light up, allowing most planes to land safely.

Related Topics:
''Suwannee'' - ''Yorktown'' - 1944 - Task Force 58 - Marianas campaign - Battle of the Philippine Sea

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During the Korean War, Clark commanded the Fast Carrier Task Force (TF 77), and later, as Vice Admiral, the entire 7th Fleet.

Related Topics:
Korean War - 7th Fleet

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Clark retired in 1953 with the rank of full Admiral. His awards included the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Navy Commendation Medal and the Korean Order of Military Merit. Admiral Clark died on July 13, 1971 at St. Albans, New York. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Related Topics:
1953 - Navy Cross - Distinguished Service Medal - Silver Star - Legion of Merit - Navy Commendation Medal - Korean Order of Military Merit - July 13 - St. Albans, New York - Arlington National Cemetery

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In 1979, the guided-missile frigate USS Clark (FFG-11) was named in his honor.

Related Topics:
1979 - Frigate - USS ''Clark''

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