This series consists of correspondence, documents, photographs, printed material, and memorabilia related to Preston Clark’s service in the U.S. Navy during World War II and his subsequent captivity by the Japanese and time spent as a prisoner of war. Correspondence from Preston Clark and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chester N. Clark, are arranged chronologically, while others are arranged alphabetically.

Preston R. Clark served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was aboard the USS Houston when it was sunk in the Battle of the Java Sea (February 1942). He survived the sinking of the Houston, swimming five hours to shore, only to be captured by the Japanese as a prisoner of war. He remained in captivity for nearly four years, during which he worked on the Thailand-Burma Railway (or “Death Railway” as it was known to the prisoners of war). He was liberated at the conclusion of the war with Japan and continued to serve in the Navy, following his return to the U.S. He passed away on July 6, 1997.