Our Great Friend and Supporter of USAWS - WWII NAVY ARMED GUARD veteran - Mr. Clarence F. “KORKY” Korker Jr. passed away 03-13-2026 at the age of 102.

A proud veteran of World War II, Korky enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served with distinction as part of the Navy Armed Guard. This specialized branch was tasked with manning guns on Merchant Marine ships during the war. Korky’s role as chief photographer at the Brooklyn Navy Yard placed him at the heart of history, where he documented public relations events, photographed VIPs and naval ships before and after battle, and contributed to the bi-weekly newsletter "The Pointer,” which connected Armed Guard personnel both at sea and on base. He concluded his military service in 1945 as a 3rd Class Photographic Petty Officer.