Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1943 Lucky Bag:

HOWARD EMERSON CLARK

Howie, an illustrious Navy Junior who came to us after two years in the fleet, made a friend of everyone with whom he came in contact. He won a high place in the regiment with his ready smile and flashing football cleats. His circle of friends extends well beyond the Navy, too—especially along the feminine line. We saw him at all the hops and other activities and thrilled at watching him perform on the gridiron. His sense of duty and fair-play will take him far in the Navy—the submarine service will soon gain an officer and wardroom companion of whom it may well be proud.

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He was commander of 1st Battalion for the second set. The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

Loss

From Aircraft Wrecks in the Mountains and Deserts of the American West:

Howard Emerson Clark was killed in the crash of Douglas AD-4N Bu No 126977 on 1/14/53 in the rugged San Jacinto Mnts. east of Hemet, CA. LCDR. Clark was a Naval Academy graduate and a highly decorated submariner during WWII. He earned is Gold Wings in 1947 and continued to serve his country with distinction until his death. (Photo courtesy Howard. W. Clark)

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

In 1920 his parents lived in Groton, Connecticut where his father Howard was an ensign at the submarine base. In 1930 Coronado, California, his father was a lieutenant in the U. S. Navy, mother Ruth, brother Gilbert, and sister Gail. In 1940 his father was a navigator, and the family lived in Long Beach. His father died in 1965.

His father was an instructor in the Naval Academy in 1918-1919 and 1924-25. He was on the USS Holland 1926-27. He commanded the USS S-26 in 1928-30 and was on the USS Medusa in 1938.

From the Fresno Bee on January 15, 1953: “… Clark was well known as Howie Clark, a star backfield man for the Naval Academy in Annapolis. In 1948 he returned to the academy as coach of the 150 pound football team.”

From the Class of 1943 anniversary book “25 years later…”:

Howie was born in New London, Connecticut on 5 January 1920. He was appointed at-large and entered the Academy on 7 July 1939. Howie was our Class President and after graduation stayed on at the Academy in the Executive Department until he entered Submarine School in September 1942. His first submarine was the USS BOWFIN in January 1943 which was followed by the submarine USS CHARR in June 1944, Howie participated in at least four successful war patrols. In October 1945, he commenced flight instruction after qualifying for command in submarines. His first operational duty after earning his wings was with Patrol Squadron TWENTY-ONE followed by duty on the Staff of Commander, Fleet Air Wing FIVE. Duty at the Naval Academy in September 1950 was followed by duty with Fleet Composite Squadron 35 which was stationed at NAS, North Island, Coronado, California. Howie died in a plane crash near Hemet, California on 14 January 1953.

Howie’s medals include the Silver Star (twice), the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the Bronze Star, the Navy Commendation Ribbon, the American Defense Service with Fleet Clasp, American Area Campaign, Asiatic Pacific, WW II Victory and the National Defense Medal His Silver Star Citations read as follows:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Torpedo Data Computer Operator of the USS CHARR during the Second War Patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from March 27 to May 21, 1945. During an aggressive torpedo attack against a hostile cruiser, Lieutenant Clark rendered valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer in providing information of vital importance, thus contributing materially to the sinking of the hostile vessel. By his professional skill and gallant devotion to duty throughout, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Torpedo Data Computer Operator of a United States Submarine in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Area during the Second War Patrol of that vessel. Skillfully and courageously performing his essential duties despite heavy enemy fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Clark rendered invaluable assistance to his commanding officer during approach operations and attacks on two hostile convoys and other enemy ships, thereby contributing materially to the success of his sub marine in destroying fourteen Japanese vessels. Lieutenant Junior Grade, Clark’s outstanding skill and fearless devotion to duty in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

He was survived by his wife Vera Weston Clark and their children Linda Lowellyn, Susan Elizabeth and Ho ward Weston who resided at 1027 Encino Row, Coronado, California when Howie was killed.

He is buried in California.

Photographs

Source