World War II Honoree

Charles E. Clarke

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Jayne Clarke, Janet Clarke Sahawneh & Helen Clarke

Relationship

Twin Daughters & Wife

ENLISTED IN THE U.S. NAVY RESERVE ON DECEMBER 14, 1942 AS RADIO TECHNICAN 2ND CLASS. SERVED INITIALLY AT PHILADELPHIA NAVAL YARD ESCORTING VISITORS. WAS OVERLOOKED & NEVER SENT TO BOOT CAMP! INSTEAD SENT DIRECTLY TO RADAR TRAINING SCHOOL 1ST IN MICHIGAN CITY THEN IN WASHINGTON, DC. PROMOTED TO RADIO TECHNICIAN 1ST CLASS AFTER GRADUATION FROM RADIO MATERIAL SCHOOL AT NAVAL RESEARCH LABATORY & ASSIGNED TO USS CONKLIN DE-439 (JOINING AS A PLANK OWNER) WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR KEEPING THE SHIP'S RADAR SYSTEM FUNCTIONING. SERVED IN THE PACIFIC THEATER FROM ARRIVAL IN PEARL HARBOR ON JULY 30, 1944 TO JUNE 17, 1945 WHILE HIS SHIP SERVED AS CONVEY ESCORT & ANTI-SUBMARINE PATROL, ALSO SURVIVED THE JUNE 5, 1945 TYPHON OFF OKINAWA AFTER HIS SHIP ROLLED 75 DEGREES. WAS HONORABLY DISCHARGED WITH RANK OF ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN MATE, 1ST CLASS ON JANUARY 23, 1946. WAS AWARDED ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN RIBBON WITH 2 STARS, GOOD CONDUCT RIBBON, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN RIBBON, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, & PHILLIPINE LIBERATION RIBBON. HIS SHIP RECEIVED 3 BATTLE STARS FOR HER CREW'S SERVICE.