Joseph R. Clarkson 1st Sergeant Retired Army

Joseph Robert Clarkson was born during the Great Depression in Brooklyn, NY in 1931 to Robert Phillip Clarkson (1893) and Sarah Josephine Hoblin Clarkson Cushing (1898). He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Rosemarie, William, and Robert. He is survived by his "baby" sister, Marietta Friess of Valatie, NY.

In 1961, Joe married his Irish bride, Mary McGeary. They immediately began their family in Brooklyn and moved to St. Louis in 1966. There were 5 children born out of their 51-year marriage.  Mary Clarkson, Joseph G. (Laurie) Clarkson, Robert Clarkson, Patricia Clarkson and Theresa (Steve) Schoenherr.  Grandpa was a proud grandfather to Heather (Tyler) Potter, Sean Clarkson, Matthew Clarkson, Michael Clarkson, Molly Clarkson, Emma Bliss, Keaton Bliss and Brendan Clarkson and a to be great-grandfather. He was step-grandfather to Alex, Jacob and Connor Schoenherr. Joe was fondly known as "Unk" by his nieces and nephews.

During his time in St Louis, Joe worked as a pipefitter for General Motors into his early 70s, assisted with numerous side jobs, and loved to volunteer at the fish fry both at the VFW Post and the American Legion. Evidently, they served the best fish at whatever location he worked. Joe was an expert marksman and participated in numerous shooting teams. He was a true patriot with an extensive military career which is outlined below.

The Clarkson family would like to extend our most sincere appreciation and gratitude to the phenomenal nurses and staff at Progress West Hospital who cared for our dad like he was their own.

ILO flowers, donations can be made to:

Missionaries of the Holy Family - Very Rev. Philip Sosa, MSF
3014 Oregon Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63118-1412

Contact Us Today - Missionaries of the Holy Family (msf-america.org)

Joseph R. Clarkson enlisted in the United States Army on 28 Feb 1951 in New York, New York.  After completing basic training with the 11 ^th Airborne Division in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, he shipped out to Korea with the 1 ^st Bn. 32nd Infantry. He served in Korea from August 1951 to June 1952.  While there, 1 ^st Sgt. Clarkson saw action in the battles of Old Baldy, Heart-Break Ridge, the Punch Bowl, and the Kumra Valley.

After his return stateside, 1 ^st Sgt. Clarkson was assigned to an Army anti-aircraft unit, Battery A, 41stAAA Bn (Gun) (90mm).  He was discharged  from active duty at Fort Totten, New York as an E-5 on 27 Feb954.  While on active service, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, UN Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars and the National Defense Service Medal.

Upon completion of active duty, 1 ^st Sgt Clarkson immediately joined the NYANG and was assigned to various artillery using the 90 mm, 155mm, and 8" weapons.  Here, he rose to rank E-7 which was the highest rank possible at that time.

In 1966, 1 ^st Sgt Clarkson relocated to St Louis, Missouri and was assigned to the 128 ^th FA Bn where he was promoted to E-8.  While with the MOANG, he also served with the Military Police, Military Intelligence, and ultimately the 10 ^th Psy Ops Bn as First Sergeant.  The 10 ^th Psy Ops Bn was rate the top unit of its kind in 1972 and continues to maintain that distinction today.  In 1991, 1 ^st Sgt. Clarkson retired from the Army with over 40 years of service.

Career Highlights

• Member and instructor on the combat .45 pistol team
• Winning 5 ^th Army Championships 8 years in row with pistol team
• Met Col Martha Raye and served as her personal escort on two occasions
• 3 tours at Threat Analysis in Washington, DC
• 6 ^th Army Security Office in Fresno, CA
• Security Office as assistant to the AIC at the ARC St Louis, MO
• As a result of secret security clearance, requested by secret service to drive in Presidential Elect Ronald Regan's personal motorcade
• 2/91-10/91 Assigned to US Special Operations Command-JA MacDill AFB, FL
• Obtained Top Secret SBI
• Worked with Col John Pershing at Special Operations Command at MacDill AFB
• Received numerous awards and accommodations and attended various service-related professional schools which are detailed on each DD214
• Met General Colon Powell, a former New Yorker, multiple times while in St Louis
• Invited to MSG Roy Benavidez to address VFW Post as honored guest on 3 occasions and local special forces chapter XXVII
• Earned Legion of Merit Award received after discharge per US Special Operations Command Services.

Civilian Accomplishments

• Served as VFW Post 3944 Commander St Louis, MO for 3 terms
• Increased post membership from 235 to almost 600
• Named "All State Commander" twice
• Served as American Legion Post 388 Commander St Louis, MO for 2 terms
• Served as Veteran's Committeemen for Local 2250 UAW, Wentzville, MO for 6 years
• Organized fundraisers and activates for Paralyzed Veterans of America
• Served as President of 32 ^nd Inf Association
• Restored fiscal solvency to 32 ^nd Inf Association by instituting personnel changes in 2-year period
• Volunteer at James S McDonnell USO St. Louis, MO since 2006 specializing in the 0000-0600 shift

Most of 1 ^st Sgt. Clarkson's service was as an NCO or senior NCO.  On two occasions, his Reserve MI Unit was ranked among the top 100 units in the country.  This was due in large to his selective recruiting at local area schools for top-quality students.

1 ^st Sgt Clarkson considered it an extreme honor to be allowed to end his days as the Honorary Commander Sergeant Major of the Army's Proud 1 ^st of the 32 ^nd as this is the unit he joined in Korea in 1951.

Visitation Fri., Dec. 11, 4-8 p.m. at the Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd. Creve Coeur. Funeral Mass Sat. Dec. 12, 12 pm at Immaculate Conception Church Dardenne Prairie.

Military honors to follow Mass.