Naval History and Heritage Command

Upload PDF Version [91KB]

Richard Godfrey Clark was born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 3, 1931, son of Donald H. and Rosamond G. (Thomas) Clark. He attended Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklynn. On July 15, 1948 he enlisted in the inactive Reserve Program of the US Naval Reserve. On June 6, 1950 he was honorably discharged to accept an appointment as Midshipman in the US Merchant Marine Reserve. He attended the New York State Maritime College, Bronx, New York and upon graduation on June 2, 1954 received the degree Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, third Mate License and was commissioned Ensign in the US Naval Reserve. He subsequently advanced in rank to the Commander having transferred from the US Naval Reserve to the US Navy on October 1, 1956.

After receiving his commission in 1954, he joined USS O’Hare (DDR-889) as Communications Officer. Detached from the radar picket destroyer in June 1957, he next served on board USS Randolph (CVA-15) as Guided Missile Officer and Senior Watch Officer. He attended the General Line School, Monterey, California, from March to December 1959, after which he had duty as Flag Lieutenant and Aide to Commander Naval Forces, Marianas.

In November 1961 he reported as Operations Officer on board USS Buchanan (DDG-14), which participated in the Celebration commemorating the Twelfth Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea at Melbourne Australia in May 1963. He joined USS Bruch (DD-745) as Executive Officer and Navigator in August 1963 and in December 1964 was detached for instruction in Engineering Science at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. He received his second degree of Bachelor of Science in October 1965, then served as Assistant Force Personnel Officer on the Staff of Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force, US Atlantic Fleet. In February 1968 he reported for duty as Commanding Officer of USS Leary (DD-879).

Commander Clark has the Navy Occupation Service Medal, Europe Clasp; National Defense Service Medal with bronze star; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; and the Vietnam Service Medal with star.

END