Joseph J. "Jocko" Clark Papers
Historic Owner
Joseph J. Clark
DateDecember 11, 1941–1980
Mediumpaper, ink
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Olga Clark in memory of Admiral Joseph James Clark. A00.2011.046
Object numberA00.2011.046
DescriptionExtent: 17 folders, 4 phase boxes in document boxesOrganization:
Personal papers, December 11, 1941–June 14, 1971
Service records, September–November 1953, n.d.
Commendations and citations, April 2, 1943–June 10, 1954, n.d.
Certificates, July 28, 1950–January 1971, n.d.
Drafts of blurb in regard to Clark’s book “Carrier Admiral,” ca. 1967
Memorial papers, July 13, 1971–July 23, 1974
Miscellaneous papers, ca. 1941–1980, n.d.
Volumes, January 30, 1946–November 1951, n.d.
Personal papers, December 11, 1941–June 14, 1971
- Clark’s personal papers include USS Yorktown correspondence and ephemera, such as a Christmas card with a picture of Yorktown on it, a photocopy of commissioning program pages, certificates for the “Jocko Jima Development Corporation,” a letter from Frank Turner about preserving Yorktown’s bell, a letter and program from the 20th anniversary of Yorktown’s commissioning, and a decommissioning menu. There is also a shellback subpoena belonging to Anthony F. Grace Jr., and a program for the 1945 homecoming of Clark in Chelsea, Oklahoma. Note that some items are associated with USS Yorktown (CV-5) and some are associated with USS Yorktown (CV-10).
Service records, September–November 1953, n.d.
- Service records primarily consist of correspondence relating to Clark’s retirement, from the Chief of Naval Operations and Chief of Naval Personnel. There are also communications about the movement of Clark’s flag and a list of V-6 Division muster by sections.
Commendations and citations, April 2, 1943–June 10, 1954, n.d.
- This series consists of commendations and citations relating to the actions of Jocko Clark and his commands, primarily in World War II and the Korean War. American citations and commendations are signed by: J.H. Towers, James Forrestal, R.E. Ingersoll, C.W. Nimitz, Francis P. Matthews, L.E. Denfeld, M.A. Mitscher, John L. McCrea, and John Sullivan. They pertain to the awarding of the Silver Star Medal, Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Gold Star in lieu of Second Distinguished Service Medal, and Legion of Merit. In addition, one Commendation Ribbon was awarded for Clark’s initiation of the Cherokee Strike method of pre-briefed close support air attack. Some documents are in regard to the Presidential Unit Citation given to ships related to Clark. Besides American citations and commendations, there is also the award of the Order of Military Merit Taiguk with Silver Star by the Republic of Korea and of the The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant (second class) by Thailand.
- April 2, 1943–June 10
- Photocopies and research notes, n.d.
Certificates, July 28, 1950–January 1971, n.d.
- This series is made up of certificates awarded to Clark by military, governmental, educational, non-profit, and membership entities in recognition of his achievements, membership, and participation. Several certificates were awarded upon the presentation of awards documented in the commendations and citations series, such as the Distinguished Service Medal. There is also a Certificate of Appreciation and Gratitude to Joseph J. Clark from The White House with the printed signature of Harry Truman. Certificates relating to Clark’s education were presented by the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project, the Strategic Air Command, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Native American organizations represented are the International Order of the Sycamore Tribe and the Cherokee National Historical Society.
- July 28, 1950
- Military Merit Taiguk with Silver Star by Korea (Flat Files), ca. 1954
- January 27, 1954–February 29, 1968
- Retired Officers Award (Oversize), March 14, 1968
- June 1968–May 12, 1969
- National Aeronautic Association Elder Statesman of Aviation (Phase Box 2), October 21, 1969
- Naval Order of the United States (Oversize), December 4, 1969
- June 1970–January 1971, n.d.
Drafts of blurb in regard to Clark’s book “Carrier Admiral,” ca. 1967
Memorial papers, July 13, 1971–July 23, 1974
- This series consists of papers related to Jocko Clark’s death. There are condolence letters, primarily sent to his wife, Olga Clark, including one signed by Richard Nixon. There are also mass cards and certificates from organizations such as the Masons. In addition, there is a collection of photocopied condolence letters and obituaries that appears as if it was once bound with a binder clip. It includes condolence letters sent to Commander Wally F.J. Weymss, a letter to Clark’s sister from a naval hospital chaplain about making a memorial to Clark, a letter to Captain Howard W. Connelly about his request that a destroyer be named in honor of Clark, newspaper clippings, a funeral meditation, a letter to the editor of Counterattack by Clark, and papers from the induction of Clark into the Cherokee National Hall of Fame.
- July 13–November 17, 1971
- Speech, ca. 1971
- Collection of condolence letters and obituaries (photocopies), ca. 1971–ca. May 20, 1972
- Poems by Olga, ca. 1971–July 23, 1974
Miscellaneous papers, ca. 1941–1980, n.d.
- Maps, 1941–1945
-- 1 Task Group 58.1 in Marinas Campaign; Task Group 58.1 Operations in support of landing at Okinawa; First Carrier Raids on Tokyo and strikes in support of Iwo Jima Invasion
- Petitions to name a Navy ship after Clark (photocopies), September 15, 1973–April 25, 1974
-- Petitions are from Native American groups, the Oklahoma Historical Society, USS Yorktown Association, and others.
- Newspaper clipping, May 17, 1974
- USS Clark welcome aboard booklet, ca. 1980
- Manuscript by Olga
-- Olga Clark's work on "Turn on the Lights" regarding the Merchant Marines and Soviet competition.
- Envelopes, n.d.
-- Original manila envelopes that contained various citations, petitions, photos and negatives. All have notes hand-written on the fronts.
Volumes, January 30, 1946–November 1951, n.d.
- Book: Texas // Citrus // and // Vegetable // Growers // and // Shippers // First // Annual Dinner //dedicated to // Braggin’ About Texas // Congressional Room // Statler Hotel // Washington, DC, January 30, 1946
- Magazine: Flying. Prepared in collaboration with the United States Navy. New York, New York: Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, November 1951
-- Bound presentation copy with “Flying // US Naval Aviation // Issue // Rear Adm. Joseph J. Clark” embossed on cover.
- Printed photograph album, n.d.
- Yearbook: A Memorial Album of Graduation // the 7th Term // R.O.K. Naval Academy // Chinhae in Korea (Phase Box 3), n.d.
-- Front says “4286” and has a “7” with a star overlapping it.
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