American Military History Mark W. Clark Signed Citadel Letter, 1964

Mark W. Clark

Manuscript & Autographs

Clark, Mark W. Typed letter signed, January 10, 1964, documents the postmilitary public life of the American general who commanded United Nations forces during the Korean War and later served as president of The Citadel. Clark assumed command of the United Nations Command in Korea in May 1952 and signed the Korean Armistice Agreement on behalf of that command in July 1953; by the date of this letter, he was nearing the end of his twelve-year presidency of The Citadel. The correspondence captures his direct engagement with students and autograph collectors, providing evidence of how a prominent World War II and Korean War commander maintained a public and educational role after active service.

Clark, Mark W. January 10, 1964. One page, measuring 6 by 8½ inches, typed on letterhead of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. Responding to a letter dated January 8, Clark writes: “I have your letter of January 8, and am happy that you would like to have me autograph covers for you three students. You will find them enclosed.” He signs boldly in black ink, “Mark W. Clark.” The letter records a modest but specific exchange between Clark and three students, with the reference to enclosed autographed covers illustrating the commemorative and correspondence practices surrounding prominent military figures during the postwar period.

Clark served as president of The Citadel from 1954 to 1965, making this letter an artifact of his final full year in office and of his transition from senior military command to institutional leadership. The Citadel retains Clark’s papers, including extensive documentation of his military career and presidency, situating such correspondence within a larger record of his administrative and public activities. Clean and well preserved, with no specific defects reported; near fine. A plainly worded but revealing signed letter connecting Clark’s Korean War prominence with his later role in American military education.

Item #8979

Price: $125.00