Bernard A. Clarey
Encyclopedia
Bernard Ambrose Clarey nicknamed "Chick", was an admiral of the United States Navy
. A submarine commander
during World War II
, he served during the late 1960s as Vice Chief of Naval Operations
and in the early 1970s and Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
on May 4, 1912, son of Mrs. S. B. (Jennie A. O'Hearn) Clarey and the late Mr. Clarey. He was graduated from Oskaloosa High School and attended William Penn College for one year. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy
from his native state in 1930. As a midshipman he was on the Staff of the Lucky Bag
. He was graduated and commissioned Ensign
on May 31, 1934.
His first assignment after graduation was to the cruiser
Milwaukee
(CL-5) from June 1934 until December 1936. He entered instruction at the Submarine School at Submarine Base New London in January 1937. After designation as a submariner, he reported to the submarine Nautilus
(SS-168) in June 1937. He served as Engineer
, First Lieutenant and Communications Officer in the Nautilus
when she was the flagship of Submarine Division Twelve, based at Pearl Harbor
. In June 1941 he reported to Dolphin
(SS-169).
when the Japanese
attacked the Naval Base
on December 7, 1941, and subsequently made one war patrol in Dolphin to the Marshall Islands
.
After commissioning the submarine Amberjack
(SS-219) at New London
, Connecticut
on June 19, 1942, he completed two war patrols in Amberjack off Bougainville
and Guadalcanal
Islands as Executive Officer. During the first war patrol, which lasted fifty-seven days, the Amberjack sank the 19,000-ton Japanese ship Tonan Maru, a 5,000-ton transport and a 7,000-ton cargo ship. She also delivered 9,000 gallons of aviation fuel, 200 100-pound bombs and a number of US Army Air Corps pilots to Tulagi
. On her second war patrol, lasting fifty-one days, she scored one direct hit on a 4,000-ton freighter while patrolling south of Shortland
, near Treasury Island.
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties in the USS Amberjack during a war patrol of that vessel..." he was awarded the Silver Star
. The citation further states: "As Assistant Approach Officer, his outstanding skill, excellent judgement and thorough knowledge of attack problems assisted his Commanding Officer considerably in conducting a series of successful torpedo attacks, which resulted in the sinking and damaging of enemy ships totalling more than 43,000-tons. In addition, he was of great assistance in conducting a successful reconnaissance of four enemy positions and completing a vital special mission, contributing immensely to the success of his vessel in evading extremely severe enemy countermeasures..."
Clarey made one additional patrol to the South Pacific
as a Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) in the Peto
(SS-265). On January 1, 1944, he became the Commanding Officer
of the new submarine Pintado
(SS-387) at Portsmouth, New Hampshire
.
Under his command, Pintado reached the Pacific in May 1944, and on her first war patrol in the area west of the Marianas and south of Formosa
on a dark night in June, surfaced and fired six bow torpedoes at a Japanese convoy, making direct hits on two targets with all six torpedoes. Later between the Marianas and Luzon
she sank three freighters and damaged a large freighter. Clarey was awarded the Navy Cross
with the following citation:
He was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross. "For extraordinary heroism during Pintados second war patrol in enemy-infested waters from July 24, 1944 to September 14, 1944". The citation states: "He pressed home a series of aggressive torpedo attacks against heavily escorted enemy ships, sinking two freighters and a large whaling ship of nearly 20,000-tons and maneuvered successfully and avoided damage to his submarine".
A Gold Star in lieu of a third Navy Cross was awarded for Pintados third war patrol, in enemy-controlled waters of the South China Sea, between October 9, 1944 to January 1, 1945. The citation states: "Carrying out his duties as Officer in Tactical Command, Commander Clarey skillfully directed the coordinated search for his attack group knownn as "Clarey's Crushers", against a retiring enemy Task Force and contributed to the destruction of a Japanese light cruiser. He further led his submarines in an attack to sink a destroyer and damage an aircraft carrier. On the night of December 12–13, he conducted three surface attacks, in heavy seas, to sink two enemy merchantmen, which contributed to Pintado's sinking of over 40,000-tons of Japanese shipping".
Clarey also wore the ribbon for the Presidential Unit Citation awarded to Pintado.
Detached from Pintado in April 1945, he was assigned to the staff of Commander Submarine Force Pacific Fleet
(COMSUBPAC) and was serving in that assignment at the cessation of hostilities in August 1945.
, in December 1945 he reported to the Navy Department, Washington, D.C.
, where he served until February 1946 in the Office of Public Information, as a member of the Secretary of the Navys Committee on Reorganization. In April, he was transferred to the Office of the Naval Inspector General
. From April 1947 until June 1949, he served on the Staff of Commander Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet as Aide and Flag Secretary, Legal Officer, and Public Information Officer
.
In June 1949, he returned to the Navy Department to serve in the Officer Personnel Division for Submarine Officer Assignments, in the Bureau of Naval Personnel, BUPERS
.
In June 1951, he reported as Executive Officer of the heavy cruiser
Helena
(CA-75), which operated with the U.S. Seventh Fleet in Korea
n waters, participating in operations against North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces. He served as "XO" for eleven months and was awarded the Bronze Star
with Combat "V" for his service aboard Helena.
After a tour as Commander Submarine Division Fifty Two from May 1952 to July 1953 in San Diego, he was ordered to the Politico-Military Policy Division, as Director Far East Branch, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
.
He was a student at the National War College
from August 1955 to June 1956.
In August 1956, he was assigned at Pearl Harbor as Chief of Staff
to COMSUBPAC.
In August 1958, he became Commanding Officer of fleet oiler Hassayampa. On January 5, 1959 he became the Director for Military Personnel in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Manpower)
.
He was selected for promotion to Rear Admiral
in July 1958 and in August 1958 was assigned as Director for Military Personnel Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense
. In July 1962, Rear Admiral Clarey again reported to Pearl Harbor as Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. For exceptionally meritorious service in this position, he was awarded the Legion of Merit
.
On June 3, 1964, he was promoted to Vice Admiral
and became Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT) at Pearl Harbor. In August, 1966, in Oslo
, Norway
, he became Commander U.S. Second Fleet (COMSECONDFLT) and Commander Striking Force, Atlantic (NATO).
Returning to the office of the Chief of Naval Operations in June 1967, he assumed the duties of Director, Navy Program Planning and Budgeting. In January 1968, he was appointed Vice Chief of Naval Operations
and promoted to the rank of Admiral.
In December 1970, he returned to Pearl Harbor as Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He was relieved as CINCPACFLT on September 30, 1973 and retired from the Navy with the rank of Admiral on October 1, 1973.
from 1973 to 1977 and died June 15, 1996 at Tripler Army Medical Center
in Hawaii
.
Medals, the Silver Star
Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Bronze Star
with Combat "V", the Legion of Merit and five Distinguished Service Medals
. In addition, he was awarded the American Defense Service Medal
with star, American Campaign Medal
, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
with one silver star and four bronze stars (nine operations), World War II Victory Medal
, National Defense Service Medal
, Korean Service Medal
with star, United Nations Service Medal
, Philippine Liberation Medal
, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation
. In addition, after qualification for submarine warfare insignia
he received the submarine officer badge, and for successful wartime service the Submarine Combat Patrol Insignia
with stars.
to the mainland was named the Admiral Clarey Bridge
in Clarey's honor.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
. A submarine commander
Submariner
Submariner can mean:*A sailor who is a crewman of a submarine*Namor the Sub-Mariner, a comic-book character in the Marvel Comics Universe*Rolex Submariner, a make of diver's watch*Submariner an album by Experimental rock band The Dead Science...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, he served during the late 1960s as Vice Chief of Naval Operations
Vice Chief of Naval Operations
The Vice Chief of Naval Operations is the second highest ranking officer in the United States Navy. In the event that the Chief of Naval Operations is absent or is unable to perform his duties, the VCNO assumes the duties and responsibilities of the CNO. The VCNO may also perform other duties...
and in the early 1970s and Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Early life and career
Clarey was born in Oskaloosa, IowaOskaloosa, Iowa
Oskaloosa is the county seat of Mahaska County, Iowa, United States. The population was 11,463 in the 2010 census, an increase from 10,938 in the 2000 census. -History:...
on May 4, 1912, son of Mrs. S. B. (Jennie A. O'Hearn) Clarey and the late Mr. Clarey. He was graduated from Oskaloosa High School and attended William Penn College for one year. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
from his native state in 1930. As a midshipman he was on the Staff of the Lucky Bag
Lucky bag
A Lucky Bag is the term for the United States Naval Academy 'year book' dedicated to the graduating classes. A traditional Lucky Bag has a collection of photos taken around the academy and photographs of each graduating officer along with a single paragraph describing the individual written by a...
. He was graduated and commissioned Ensign
Ensign (rank)
Ensign is a junior rank of a commissioned officer in the armed forces of some countries, normally in the infantry or navy. As the junior officer in an infantry regiment was traditionally the carrier of the ensign flag, the rank itself acquired the name....
on May 31, 1934.
His first assignment after graduation was to the cruiser
Cruiser
A cruiser is a type of warship. The term has been in use for several hundreds of years, and has had different meanings throughout this period...
Milwaukee
USS Milwaukee (CL-5)
thumb|300px|right|Launching of MilwaukeeUSS Milwaukee was an Omaha-class light cruiser in the United States Navy. She was the third Navy ship named for the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin...
(CL-5) from June 1934 until December 1936. He entered instruction at the Submarine School at Submarine Base New London in January 1937. After designation as a submariner, he reported to the submarine Nautilus
USS Nautilus (SS-168)
USS Nautilus , a and one of the "V-boats", was the third ship of the United States Navy to officially bear that popular ship's name. She was originally named and designated V-6 , but was redesignated and given hull classification symbol SC-2 on 11 February 1925...
(SS-168) in June 1937. He served as Engineer
Engineer
An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
, First Lieutenant and Communications Officer in the Nautilus
Nautilus
Nautilus is the common name of marine creatures of cephalopod family Nautilidae, the sole extant family of the superfamily Nautilaceae and of its smaller but near equal suborder, Nautilina. It comprises six living species in two genera, the type of which is the genus Nautilus...
when she was the flagship of Submarine Division Twelve, based at Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
. In June 1941 he reported to Dolphin
USS Dolphin (SS-169)
USS Dolphin , a submarine and one of the "V-boats", was the sixth ship of the United States Navy to be named for that aquatic mammal. She also bore the name V-7 and the classifications SF-10 and SSC-3 prior to her commissioning. She was launched on 6 March 1932 by the Portsmouth Navy Yard,...
(SS-169).
World War II
Clarey was Executive Officer on board Dolphin at Pearl HarborPearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
when the Japanese
Imperial Japanese Navy
The Imperial Japanese Navy was the navy of the Empire of Japan from 1869 until 1947, when it was dissolved following Japan's constitutional renunciation of the use of force as a means of settling international disputes...
attacked the Naval Base
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941...
on December 7, 1941, and subsequently made one war patrol in Dolphin to the Marshall Islands
Marshall Islands
The Republic of the Marshall Islands , , is a Micronesian nation of atolls and islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, just west of the International Date Line and just north of the Equator. As of July 2011 the population was 67,182...
.
After commissioning the submarine Amberjack
USS Amberjack (SS-219)
was a Gato-class submarine, the first United States Navy ship named for the amberjack, a vigorous sport fish found in the western Atlantic from New England to Brazil....
(SS-219) at New London
Naval Submarine Base New London
Naval Submarine Base New London is the United States Navy's primary submarine base, the "Home of the Submarine Force", and "the Submarine Capital of the World".-History:...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
on June 19, 1942, he completed two war patrols in Amberjack off Bougainville
Bougainville Island
Bougainville Island is the main island of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville of Papua New Guinea. This region is also known as Bougainville Province or the North Solomons. The population of the province is 175,160 , which includes the adjacent island of Buka and assorted outlying islands...
and Guadalcanal
Guadalcanal
Guadalcanal is a tropical island in the South-Western Pacific. The largest island in the Solomons, it was discovered by the Spanish expedition of Alvaro de Mendaña in 1568...
Islands as Executive Officer. During the first war patrol, which lasted fifty-seven days, the Amberjack sank the 19,000-ton Japanese ship Tonan Maru, a 5,000-ton transport and a 7,000-ton cargo ship. She also delivered 9,000 gallons of aviation fuel, 200 100-pound bombs and a number of US Army Air Corps pilots to Tulagi
Tulagi
Tulagi, less commonly Tulaghi, is a small island in the Solomon Islands, just off the south coast of Florida Island. The town of the same name on the island Tulagi, less commonly Tulaghi, is a small island (5.5 km by 1 km) in the Solomon Islands, just off the south coast of Florida...
. On her second war patrol, lasting fifty-one days, she scored one direct hit on a 4,000-ton freighter while patrolling south of Shortland
Shortland
-Geography:* Shortland Island* Shortland Islands* Shortlands, a ward of the London Borough of Bromley* Shortland, New South Wales* Shortland's Bluff, an old name for Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia-People:...
, near Treasury Island.
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties in the USS Amberjack during a war patrol of that vessel..." he was awarded the Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
. The citation further states: "As Assistant Approach Officer, his outstanding skill, excellent judgement and thorough knowledge of attack problems assisted his Commanding Officer considerably in conducting a series of successful torpedo attacks, which resulted in the sinking and damaging of enemy ships totalling more than 43,000-tons. In addition, he was of great assistance in conducting a successful reconnaissance of four enemy positions and completing a vital special mission, contributing immensely to the success of his vessel in evading extremely severe enemy countermeasures..."
Clarey made one additional patrol to the South Pacific
South Pacific Area
The South Pacific Area was a multinational U.S.-led military command active during World War II. It was a part of the U.S. Pacific Ocean Areas under Admiral Chester Nimitz.Instructions to the senior U.S...
as a Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) in the Peto
USS Peto (SS-265)
USS Peto , a Gato-class submarine, was a ship of the United States Navy named for the peto, a sharp-nosed tropical fish of the mackerel family....
(SS-265). On January 1, 1944, he became the Commanding Officer
Commanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
of the new submarine Pintado
USS Pintado (SS-387)
USS Pintado , a , was the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for the pintado.-Operational history:Pintado was laid down by the Portsmouth Navy Yard, Kittery, Maine, 7 May 1943; launched 15 September 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Antonio Prince; and commissioned 1 January 1944, Lieutenant...
(SS-387) at Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a city in Rockingham County, New Hampshire in the United States. It is the largest city but only the fourth-largest community in the county, with a population of 21,233 at the 2010 census...
.
Under his command, Pintado reached the Pacific in May 1944, and on her first war patrol in the area west of the Marianas and south of Formosa
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
on a dark night in June, surfaced and fired six bow torpedoes at a Japanese convoy, making direct hits on two targets with all six torpedoes. Later between the Marianas and Luzon
Luzon
Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines. It is located in the northernmost region of the archipelago, and is also the name for one of the three primary island groups in the country centered on the Island of Luzon...
she sank three freighters and damaged a large freighter. Clarey was awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
with the following citation:
"For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the USS Pintado, during the first war patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from May 16 to July 1, 1944. Maneuvering his ship through powerful escort screens, Lieutenant Commander Clarey launched repeated aggressive attacks to sink three Japanese freighters and damage a large freighter despite severe hostile countermeasures..."
He was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross. "For extraordinary heroism during Pintados second war patrol in enemy-infested waters from July 24, 1944 to September 14, 1944". The citation states: "He pressed home a series of aggressive torpedo attacks against heavily escorted enemy ships, sinking two freighters and a large whaling ship of nearly 20,000-tons and maneuvered successfully and avoided damage to his submarine".
A Gold Star in lieu of a third Navy Cross was awarded for Pintados third war patrol, in enemy-controlled waters of the South China Sea, between October 9, 1944 to January 1, 1945. The citation states: "Carrying out his duties as Officer in Tactical Command, Commander Clarey skillfully directed the coordinated search for his attack group knownn as "Clarey's Crushers", against a retiring enemy Task Force and contributed to the destruction of a Japanese light cruiser. He further led his submarines in an attack to sink a destroyer and damage an aircraft carrier. On the night of December 12–13, he conducted three surface attacks, in heavy seas, to sink two enemy merchantmen, which contributed to Pintado's sinking of over 40,000-tons of Japanese shipping".
Clarey also wore the ribbon for the Presidential Unit Citation awarded to Pintado.
Detached from Pintado in April 1945, he was assigned to the staff of Commander Submarine Force Pacific Fleet
ComSubPac
Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet is the principal advisor to the Commander, United States Pacific Fleet for submarine matters. The Pacific Submarine Force includes attack, ballistic missile and auxiliary submarines, submarine tenders, floating submarine docks, deep submergence...
(COMSUBPAC) and was serving in that assignment at the cessation of hostilities in August 1945.
Post-war, through late 1950s
Following World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, in December 1945 he reported to the Navy Department, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
, where he served until February 1946 in the Office of Public Information, as a member of the Secretary of the Navys Committee on Reorganization. In April, he was transferred to the Office of the Naval Inspector General
Naval Inspector General
The Office of Naval Inspector General for the United States Navy was established during World War Two to make invistigations as directed by the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations...
. From April 1947 until June 1949, he served on the Staff of Commander Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet as Aide and Flag Secretary, Legal Officer, and Public Information Officer
Public information officer
Public Information Officers are the communications coordinators or spokespersons of certain governmental organizations . They differ from public relations departments of private organizations in that marketing plays a more limited role...
.
In June 1949, he returned to the Navy Department to serve in the Officer Personnel Division for Submarine Officer Assignments, in the Bureau of Naval Personnel, BUPERS
BUPERS
BUPERS is an acronym for the United States Navy's Bureau of Naval Personnel. Similar to the mission of Human Resources in a corporation, the BUPERS organization serves to provide administrative leadership, policy planning, and general oversight of the Command.The mission statement of BUPERS is:As...
.
In June 1951, he reported as Executive Officer of the heavy cruiser
Heavy cruiser
The heavy cruiser was a type of cruiser, a naval warship designed for long range, high speed and an armament of naval guns roughly 203mm calibre . The heavy cruiser can be seen as a lineage of ship design from 1915 until 1945, although the term 'heavy cruiser' only came into formal use in 1930...
Helena
USS Helena (CA-75)
The USS Helena , a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser, was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named for the city of Helena, Montana. She was named Helena while building after the cancellation of CL-113....
(CA-75), which operated with the U.S. Seventh Fleet in Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
n waters, participating in operations against North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces. He served as "XO" for eleven months and was awarded the Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
with Combat "V" for his service aboard Helena.
After a tour as Commander Submarine Division Fifty Two from May 1952 to July 1953 in San Diego, he was ordered to the Politico-Military Policy Division, as Director Far East Branch, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Chief of Naval Operations
The Chief of Naval Operations is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Navy. The office is a military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy...
.
He was a student at the National War College
National War College
The National War College of the United States is a school in the National Defense University. It is housed in Roosevelt Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., the third-oldest Army post still active. It was officially established on July 1, 1946, as an upgraded replacement for the...
from August 1955 to June 1956.
In August 1956, he was assigned at Pearl Harbor as Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff
The title, chief of staff, identifies the leader of a complex organization, institution, or body of persons and it also may identify a Principal Staff Officer , who is the coordinator of the supporting staff or a primary aide to an important individual, such as a president.In general, a chief of...
to COMSUBPAC.
In August 1958, he became Commanding Officer of fleet oiler Hassayampa. On January 5, 1959 he became the Director for Military Personnel in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Manpower)
United States Assistant Secretary of Defense
Assistant Secretary of Defense is a title used for many executive positions in the Office of the Secretary of Defense within the United States Department of Defense. Reorganization Plan No.6 of 30 June 1953 increased the number of assistant secretaries...
.
Flag assignments
Rear admiral (United States)
Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. The uniformed services of the United States are unique in having two grades of rear admirals.- Rear admiral :...
in July 1958 and in August 1958 was assigned as Director for Military Personnel Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense
United States Secretary of Defense
The Secretary of Defense is the head and chief executive officer of the Department of Defense of the United States of America. This position corresponds to what is generally known as a Defense Minister in other countries...
. In July 1962, Rear Admiral Clarey again reported to Pearl Harbor as Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. For exceptionally meritorious service in this position, he was awarded the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
.
On June 3, 1964, he was promoted to Vice Admiral
Vice admiral (United States)
In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and the United States Maritime Service, vice admiral is a three-star flag officer, with the pay grade of...
and became Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT) at Pearl Harbor. In August, 1966, in Oslo
Oslo
Oslo is a municipality, as well as the capital and most populous city in Norway. As a municipality , it was established on 1 January 1838. Founded around 1048 by King Harald III of Norway, the city was largely destroyed by fire in 1624. The city was moved under the reign of Denmark–Norway's King...
, Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, he became Commander U.S. Second Fleet (COMSECONDFLT) and Commander Striking Force, Atlantic (NATO).
Returning to the office of the Chief of Naval Operations in June 1967, he assumed the duties of Director, Navy Program Planning and Budgeting. In January 1968, he was appointed Vice Chief of Naval Operations
Vice Chief of Naval Operations
The Vice Chief of Naval Operations is the second highest ranking officer in the United States Navy. In the event that the Chief of Naval Operations is absent or is unable to perform his duties, the VCNO assumes the duties and responsibilities of the CNO. The VCNO may also perform other duties...
and promoted to the rank of Admiral.
In December 1970, he returned to Pearl Harbor as Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He was relieved as CINCPACFLT on September 30, 1973 and retired from the Navy with the rank of Admiral on October 1, 1973.
Post-Navy career
Admiral Clarey served as a vice president for the Bank of HawaiiBank of Hawaii
The Bank of Hawaii Corporation is a regional commercial bank headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is Hawaii's second oldest bank and its largest locally owned bank in that majority of the voting stockholders reside within the state...
from 1973 to 1977 and died June 15, 1996 at Tripler Army Medical Center
Tripler Army Medical Center
Tripler Army Medical Center is the headquarters of the Pacific Regional Medical Command of the armed forces administered by the United States Army in the State of Hawaii. It is the largest military hospital in the Asian and Pacific Rim region and serves a military sphere of jurisdiction that spans...
in Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
.
Awards and honors
While on active duty, Admiral Clarey earned three Navy CrossNavy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
Medals, the Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
with Combat "V", the Legion of Merit and five Distinguished Service Medals
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast...
. In addition, he was awarded the American Defense Service Medal
American Defense Service Medal
The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:...
with star, American Campaign Medal
American Campaign Medal
The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was...
with one silver star and four bronze stars (nine operations), World War II Victory Medal
World War II Victory Medal
The World War II Victory Medal is a decoration of the United States military which was created by an act of Congress in July 1945. The decoration commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of...
, National Defense Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower...
, Korean Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
The Korean Service Medal is an award of the United States military and was created in November 1950 by executive order of President Harry Truman. The Korean Service Medal is the primary United States medal for participation in the Korean War and is awarded to any U.S. service member, who...
with star, United Nations Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
The United Nations Service Medal for Korea is an international military decoration which was established by the United Nations on December 12, 1950...
, Philippine Liberation Medal
Philippine Liberation Medal
The Philippine Liberation Medal is a military award of the Republic of the Philippines which was created by an order of Commonwealth Army of the Philippines Headquarters on December 20, 1944...
, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Citation (Philippines)
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is a decoration of the Republic of the Philippines which has been awarded to certain units of the United States military for actions both during and subsequent to the Second World War....
and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Citation (Korea)
The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is issued by the government of South Korea to both Korean military and foreign units. The last major issuance of the decoration was during the Korean War when the decoration was bestowed to several U.S., U.K., and Commonwealth military units...
. In addition, after qualification for submarine warfare insignia
Submarine Warfare insignia
The Submarine Warfare Insignia is a uniform breast pin worn by enlisted men and officers of the United States Navy to indicate that they are qualified in submarines. The Submarine Warfare Insignia is considered one of the Navy's three major warfare pins along with the Surface Warfare Badge and...
he received the submarine officer badge, and for successful wartime service the Submarine Combat Patrol Insignia
Submarine Combat Patrol insignia
The Submarine Combat Patrol Insignia is a uniform breast pin worn by officers and men of the United States Navy's Submarine Service who have completed war patrols. Such patrols were conducted during World War II....
with stars.
| Navy Cross Navy Cross The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all... with two gold stars |
Navy Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast... with five gold stars |
Silver Star Silver Star The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.... |
Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... |
| Bronze Star Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the... with Combat V |
Presidential Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation (US) The Presidential Unit Citation, originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and allies for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941... |
American Defense Service Medal American Defense Service Medal The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:... |
American Campaign Medal American Campaign Medal The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt... |
| Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was... with one silver and four bronze stars |
World War II Victory Medal | National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... |
Korean Service Medal Korean Service Medal The Korean Service Medal is an award of the United States military and was created in November 1950 by executive order of President Harry Truman. The Korean Service Medal is the primary United States medal for participation in the Korean War and is awarded to any U.S. service member, who... with one bronze star |
| United Nations Service Medal United Nations Service Medal The United Nations Service Medal for Korea is an international military decoration which was established by the United Nations on December 12, 1950... |
Philippine Liberation Medal Philippine Liberation Medal The Philippine Liberation Medal is a military award of the Republic of the Philippines which was created by an order of Commonwealth Army of the Philippines Headquarters on December 20, 1944... |
Presidential Unit Citation (Philippines) Presidential Unit Citation (Philippines) The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is a decoration of the Republic of the Philippines which has been awarded to certain units of the United States military for actions both during and subsequent to the Second World War.... |
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation |
Namesake
In 1998, the floating bridge connecting Ford IslandFord Island
Ford Island is located in the middle of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. It is connected to the main island by the Ford Island Bridge. Before the bridge was built, Ford Island could only be reached by a ferry boat which ran at hourly intervals for cars and foot passengers. The island houses several naval...
to the mainland was named the Admiral Clarey Bridge
Admiral Clarey Bridge
Admiral Clarey Bridge, also known as the Ford Island Bridge, is an automobile bridge providing access to Ford Island, a United States Navy installation situated in the middle of Pearl Harbor. The causeway bridge was completed and opened in 1998, named the Admiral Clarey Bridge after former Admiral...
in Clarey's honor.