Joseph J. Clark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph J. Clark
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| Nickname(s) | "Jocko" |
| Born | November 12, 1893 Pryor, Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory (now Pryor Creek, Oklahoma), U.S. |
| Died | July 13, 1971 (aged 77) St. Albans, New York, U.S. |
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1917–1953 |
| Rank |  Admiral |
| Commands held | Suwannee (ACV-27) Yorktown (CV-10) Task Group 58.1/38.1 Fast Carrier Task Force (TF 77) 7th Fleet |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Navy Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit |
Admiral Joseph James "Jocko" Clark (born November 12, 1893 – died July 13, 1971) was a brave admiral in the United States Navy. He was famous for leading aircraft carriers during World War II. Born and raised in Indian Territory (which is now part of Oklahoma), he was a member of the Cherokee Nation. In 1917, he made history as the first Native American to graduate from the United States Naval Academy. Admiral Clark preferred to be called "J. J." or by his well-known nickname "Jocko."
Contents
Early Life and Education
Joseph J. Clark was born in Pryor, which was then part of the Cherokee Nation in Indian Territory. His father was also a member of the Cherokee Nation. Joseph went to Willie Halsell College and later to Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Oklahoma State University).
He was then chosen to attend the United States Naval Academy. While there, he played on the lacrosse and soccer teams. He graduated in 1917 and became an Ensign, which is a junior officer rank. His nickname, "Jocko," started at the Naval Academy. One day, a classmate jokingly called him "The Right Reverend J. Jonathan Jockey Clark!"
Starting Out: World War I and Between Wars
Even though Joseph Clark was officially part of the Naval Academy's Class of 1918, he actually graduated early with the Class of 1917. His first job was on the cruiser USS North Carolina (ACR-12). This ship helped protect troops crossing the Atlantic Ocean during World War I.
After the war, he stayed in the Navy. He served on several destroyers, including the USS Aaron Ward (DD-132) and USS Brooks (DD-232). He even commanded the USS Bulmer (DD-222), which helped with relief efforts in the Middle East.
In 1923, Clark became an instructor at the Naval Academy. The next year, he went to NAS Pensacola in Florida for flight training. He earned his wings as a naval aviator on March 16, 1925.
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Clark held many different jobs. He helped prepare for the first flight from the West Coast to Hawaii in 1925. He also served as a senior aviation officer on the battleship USS Mississippi (BB-41). From 1928 to 1931, he was a leader at NAS Anacostia in Washington, D.C. Later, he commanded Fighting Squadron Two, which was part of the aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CV-2).
Before World War II, he worked at the Navy Department and served on the Lexington again. He also worked at the Fleet Air Base in Pearl Harbor. Just before the U.S. entered the war, he was an executive officer on the USS Yorktown (CV-5). He was in this role when the Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor. He then helped lead raids on the Gilbert and Marshall Islands.
Leading in World War II
When the U.S. joined World War II, Admiral Clark was known as a very brave and determined leader. He was ready to take his ships into battle. He first commanded the carrier Suwannee in the Atlantic and off North Africa. Then, he was given command of the brand new Yorktown. This ship was named after an earlier Yorktown that was sunk in 1942.
While Clark commanded the Yorktown, it became the star of a documentary called The Fighting Lady. This film showed what it was like to operate an aircraft carrier during World War II. In the movie, Clark is called "Jocko" and his voice was done by actor Harry Morgan.
In 1944, Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher made the Yorktown his main ship. Mitscher was very impressed with Clark's skills and fighting spirit. In February 1944, Clark was promoted to rear admiral. He was temporarily moved to Task Force 58, which was a powerful group of ships.
Clark was assigned to command the new aircraft carrier, USS Hornet (CV-12). Soon after, Mitscher put Clark in charge of Task Group 3. Clark led this group during the Marianas campaign. His task group often flew missions to attack Japanese airfields on islands like Chichi Jima and Iwo Jima. These islands were used by the Japanese to move planes. The sailors even nicknamed these islands the "Jocko Jimas" because Clark's planes attacked them so often!
Clark also commanded his task group during the important Battle of the Philippine Sea. His flagship was the carrier Hornet. On the second day of this battle, his planes were returning after sunset. It was very dark, but Clark bravely ordered his ships to turn on their lights. This helped most of the planes land safely, saving many pilots and aircraft.
Korean War and Retirement
Admiral Clark continued his distinguished career. He commanded the Fast Carrier Task Force (TF 77) during the Korean War. Later, he was promoted to vice admiral and then led the powerful U.S. 7th Fleet.
Admiral Clark retired from the Navy on December 1, 1953, with the highest rank of admiral.
Later Life and Legacy
After retiring from the Navy, Admiral Clark lived in New York City. He became the chairman of an investment company called Hegeman - Harris, Inc.
Both the Sioux and Cherokee Nations honored him by making him an honorary chief.
Admiral Clark passed away on July 13, 1971, at a naval hospital in St. Albans, New York. He was buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Awards and Recognition
Admiral Clark received many important awards and medals for his service. These include the Navy Cross, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, and the Legion of Merit. He also received the Navy Commendation Medal and the Korean Order of Military Merit.
In 1952, Admiral Clark was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. In 1969, the National Aeronautic Association honored him with the Elder Statesman of Aviation Award.
To further honor his legacy, the guided-missile frigate USS Clark (FFG-11) was named after him in 1979.
