Clark Daniel Stearns
| Clark Daniel Stearns | |
|---|---|
| 9th Governor of American Samoa | |
|
In office July 14, 1913 – October 2, 1914 |
|
| Preceded by | Nathan Woodworth Post |
| Succeeded by | Nathan Woodworth Post |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 15 1870 Miami-Dade County, Florida |
| Died | May 25, 1944 (aged 74) |
| Alma mater | United States Naval Academy |
| Occupation | Naval officer |
| Awards | Navy Distinguished Service Medal |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Rank |
 Captain
|
| Commands |
USS Roanoke USS Michigan (BB-27) |
Clark Daniel Stearns (1870 – May 25, 1944) was the ninth Naval Governor of American Samoa. Stearns commanded various vessels, on which he set up organized committees for the crew to give suggestions to the officers. He hoped to alleviate tensions between the enlisted men and officers. However, upon his appointment to the battleship USS Michigan (BB-27), he was removed from command of these activities.
Stearns relieved Nathan Woodworth Post as Governor of American Samoa on July 14, 1913, and helped the Samoans achieve more involvement in government. He received a medal from the Japanese Red Cross, as well as the Navy Distinguished Service Medal during his career. He retired at the rank of Captain.
Stearns was born in Florida in 1870, in what would become Miami-Dade County. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1891. He died on May 25, 1944 aboard a submarine in Miami, Florida of a coronary thrombosis.
In 1918, Stearns was posted to USS Roanoke, a civilian ship converted into a minelayer, where he eventually took command. While in command, Stearns allowed the crew to form two organized committees, one for the petty officers, and another composed of one man from each enlisted division. These committees investigated questionable rulings regarding minor disciplinary actions, and to make complaints and suggestions about the "health, happiness and comfort of the ship's company." He believed that these committees would lead to less unrest on the ship, as there would be less tension between officers and enlisted sailors, and Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels supported the effort. During his command of Roanoke, Stearns received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. After leaving command of Roanoke, Stearns examined the Naval Penal System, ruled it "archaic", and recommended the creation of an Office of Discipline.
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