Joseph J. Clark

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Joseph J. Clark
1893-1971
Image:Joseph j clark.jpg
Admiral Joseph J. Clark
Nickname Jocko
Place of death St. Albans, New York
Service/branch U.S. Navy
Years of service 1917-1953
Rank Admiral
Commands 7th Fleet
Fast Carrier Task Force (TF 77)
Task Force 58
Suwannee (ACV-27)
Yorktown (CV-10)
Battles/wars World War II
Korean War
Awards Navy Cross
Silver Star Medal
Legion of Merit

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.

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. His flagship was the Hornet (CV-12). On the second day of the battle, with his planes returning after sundown, Clark ordered his ships to light up, allowing most planes to land safely.

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

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.

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

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