Clarke, Walter E. -- oral history interview, 1990 January

File — Box: 9

Scope and Contents

Fighter ace Walter E. Clarke discusses his military service with the United States Navy during World War II. He describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot and his time in Guadalcanal and Okinawa with Fighting Squadron 5 (VF-5). Topics discussed include his combat air patrol missions at Henderson Field (Guadalcanal) and his carrier missions aboard the USSIntrepid.

Dates

Creation: 1990 January

Creator

From the Collection: American Fighter Aces Association (Organization)

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

All materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research. Due to preservation concerns, digital copies should be utilized instead of original materials. There is limited access to undigitized content.

Biographical Note: Walter E. Clarke

Walter E. Clarke was born on November 26, 1914 in Chicago, Illinois. He joined the United States Navy in 1938 and was designated a Naval Aviator the following year. After receiving his commission, Clarke was assigned to Fighting Squadron 5 (VF-5), serving aboard the USS Yorktown and USSSaratoga and at Henderson Field in Guadalcanal. In January 1945, he assumed command of Fighting Squadron 10 (VF-10) aboard the USSIntrepid. Clarke remained in the military after World War II and commanded the USSFranklin D. Roosevelt from June 1961 to September 1962. He retired as a captain in 1969 and passed away in 1992.