Captain David H. McClintock, 89, of 1023 N. Front Street, Marquette died Friday morning at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans.
Capt. McClintock was born February 26, 1912, in Benton Harbor, MI, a son of the late Wayne & Myrtle (Hayward) McClintock. He was a 1935 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Capt. McClintock married Mary Kirby Patterson in 1938 and they remained married for over 50 years before her death in 1988.
He spent most of his 30-year career in the Navy in submarine service. During WWII, he served as Commanding Officer of the USS Darter, which contacted and reported to General MacArthurs forces the approach of the Japanese Fleet enroute to Leyte Gulf in the Pacific Ocean. Firing the first shot of the Battle for Leyte Gulf, the Darter sank the heavy cruiser Atago, flagship of the Japanese Commander-in-Chief and heavily damaged a second cruiser. For heroic service in that command, he was awarded the Navy Cross and the Bronze Star Medal.
Capt. McClintock was also awarded the Silver Star, the Gold Star and numerous other decorations and medals in connection with his Navy service.
After retiring from the Navy in 1965, Capt. McClintock became Director of Development at Northern Michigan University and played a key role in the expansion of campus buildings in the late 1960s.
He is survived by his sons, Wayne P. (Twyla) McClintock of Greely Hill, CA and David H. (Sandra) McClintock, Jr. of Lexington, Massachusetts; a daughter, Emily Ann (Ben) Gibson of Tulsa, OK; brother, Walter (Marie) McClintock of Marquette; a niece, Ann (Jim) Savera of Marquette; nephews, William (Leslie) McClintock and Robert (Brady) McClintock both of California; cherished friend, Rose Mary Zenti; 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 12 noon in St. Peter Cathedral with Rev. Msgr. Louis C. Cappo officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday in the Bishops Room of the church from 10 am until the time of the service. Interment will take place in Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution to the Marquette Maritime Museum, McClintock Exhibit, PO Box 1096, Marquette, MI 49855.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Donald R. Elzinga wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"As a young Seaman on the Sub. Sablefish I saluted him on the pier at Trinity Bay Newfoundland and two days later we both went through huricane Carol near Long Island. This was in early Fall 1954. Last year when I had put the wrong date on the Conning Tower, Captain to seaman he told me to change it. I obeyed orders. The COB on our Sablefish was Malone Jones who rowed the Captain from the Darter to the Dace and he said he was carrying that wardroom ashtray, and had tears in his eyes in relief that his crew was safe. Although he did not seem to want to hear it said, we all knew that the crew of the Darter loved him very much. I will miss him at Grumpy Old Men, Don Elzinga"
Ken and Connie Hagle wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"We met Captain McClintock in 1992 when we had the privilege of purchasing the McClintock Camp at Buckroe. He visited us there and shared many camp and navy stories. We are proud to have known Captain McClintock and considered him a good friend. We will miss him."
Eric Smith wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"I'll never forget the day my son met Captain McClintock in the grocery store. Jordan knew well, the story of USS DARTER and USS DACE from having watched "The Silent Service" video. He never imagined that it might be possible to one day shake the hand of the man portrayed in that film! Captain McClintock will continue to live with future generations as an example of greatness really is. He will be truly missed."
Emil Vajda wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"My respects and condolences."
Roscoe Wise wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"My sincere condolence to the family. I had the honor and privilege to have served under Capt. McClintock's command aboard the USS Howard W. Gilmore AS16 in 1954"
Steve Clark wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"To all the McKlintocks - especially to Walt, Marie, and Ann whom I have had the honor of being closer to over the years. Your brother and uncle was a man that I'm sure that you have been very proud of over the years. I know that my parents always talked warmly of him. What an example of a man that I am sure was the success he was in the U.S. Navy for his quiet yet totally in control attitude. He expected and exuded excellence but always did it in a way that was so friendly and fare. Over the years with our mutual relationships caused our paths to cross in many nice ways. I would like to relate a more recent story of one of those times that you may not be aware of. In a gathering just a few years back where Captain Dave was at the same place as my impressionable (then 12 year old) son. He spent quite a few minutes bending my sons (and mine, I admit) ear about the Navy. Though certainly my parents were not the decorated heroes as Capt. Dave, he told my son how proud he should be of his grandparents for making their committment to the Navy. This had a special meaning to me since my son never had the pleasure of knowing them. This to me is just a little taste of his compassion for others and his genuine love and support of his country. The only good news about his passing is that he and Kirby are back together again! May GOD Bless you and warm your hearts with happy memories at this sad time. With my deepest sympathy! -Steve Clark"
Marc Bard wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"To all of the McClintocks, especially David and Sandy: All of us at The Bard Group, where Captain McClintock's daughter-in-law Sandra works, were deeply saddened to learn of Captain McClintock's passing. The noble valor and service commitment that Captain McClintock showed throughout his life are fortunately attributes of all members of his immediate and extended family. It is gratifying to see that those very characteristics that our great nation chose to honor in Captain McClintock will live on in those he raised and those he influenced. We at The Bard Group feel privileged to be able to contribute to the Marquette Maritime Museum in Captain McClintock's memory. Please accepte our heartfelt condolences. Marc Bard, on behalf of all of us at The Bard Group"
Toni Dyer wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"Know of my prayers at this difficult time Toni Dyer"
Jana Siegel Strapec wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"My condolences to your family. My father, Hugh Siegel was privileged to serve with Capt. McClintock upon the Darter. They will have a great time together in the heavens now!!!"
Andrea (Siegel) & Peter Radesi wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"My late father, Hugh Siegel, served with Capt McClintock on the Darter. He had the highest respect and love for the "Old Man" as Dad would say. My husband and I and my Mom were priviledged to attend the May 2000 Dedication in Marquette. I thought it was the most perfect way to commemorate Memorial Day! My deepest sympathies to the family and friends."
Jan Siegel, wife of Hugh wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"Meeting the captain for the first time at the first Darter REunion in Hartford that was arranged by my husband, Hugh Siegel"
Warren L. & Vivian Nelson wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"Capt. McClintock and his wife, Kirby, were special people in our lives sharing many good times, recipes, phone calls and memories. Memories of both will remain in our hearts forever."
John G. Mansfield, Jr. wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"I first met Capt. McClintock at the 1988 Submarine Veterans of WWII Convention in Milwaukee, WI. One of the things most memorable over the years as we got to know each other better was his sense of humor. I loved to see the twinkle in his eyes and the wisdom in his smile. Knowing Capt. Dave, meeting his shipmates, friends and family will always remain highlights in my life and those who ever had the chance to meet him. Sailor, rest your oars, we will all see you again someday. John & Lori Mansfield"
Robert Frier wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"I served on the USS Menhaden (SS377)1959-1961. I first met Capt. McClintock and Kirby at the reunion in Manitowoc, WI in 1984. Capt.McClintock welcomed us post WWII Menhaden sailors as if he had been our CO. I had the honor of knowing him and seeing him at several DDM reunions. I am a better man for knowing Capt. McClintock. I remember speaking with Kirby in 1984 and listening to her tell her story about 7 Dec 1941. I remember that well. Capt. McClintock and Kirby, what a couple! They are together in Heaven now. I thank you for being so kind to me. Robert B. Frier, fmly TM3(SS), USS Menhaden (SS377)"
Jim and Pat Tobin wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"Capt Dave was always a pleasure to talk with at the national conventions of the Sub Vets WW II"
PNP H.A.BALLENGER,USSVWWII wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"We have all lost a great leader, shipmate and true friend. My cup is filled with fond and grateful memories of this beloved submarine officer. GOD BLESS."
Dave 'Grog' Carpenter wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"My condolences to the McClintock Family. Captain David McClintock's biography didn't mention that shortly after sinking the Japanese heavy cruiser Atago and severely damaging the Takao, the Darter ran aground. On June 22nd, 1945, Captain McClintock and the Darter crew were given a brand new submarine, the USS Menhaden (SS-377). Although I didn't know the Menhaden's history when I served aboard her from 1961 to 1963, a fortunate set of circumstances in 1997 allowed me to contact Captain McClintock and hear the story firsthand. Shortly thereafter, I created a USS Menhaden (SS-377) Web Site, with Pages for the USS Darter (SS-227) and the USS Dace (SS-247), at: http://www.infomagic.net/~grog Periodically, his son, Dave McClintock, Jr., would show his Dad the Web Site on his laptop computer. If Captain McClintock noticed any errors, he would call me on the phone, point out my mistakes, and make sure that I corrected them! I'll miss his phone calls! The Web Site exists, not only as a Tribute to Captain David McClintock, but to the Crews of the USS Darter, Dace and Menhaden, as well."
Mark J. Maynard wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"Farewell to a great Submariner and a friend to all other Submariners. He set high standards and lived his life by adhering to his principles."
Les Guille wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"My heartfelt condolences to the McClintock family. I never met the first skipper of the USS Menhaden, but I knew of his reputation as one of the Greats of the Submarine Family. I had the sad honor of being the last skipper of Menhaden."
Robert H. Moore wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"A GREAT WARIOR and Leader. He will always be in my memory as a great person and a down to earth gentleman.We had many coversations on the phone over the years. I will miss those times."
Floyd E. Wallace wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"I am writing this on behalf of my dad, Floyd Wallace. He and David were boyhood friends in Marquette. Dad was always very proud of David's service to our country and he shared many stories with me about their times in Marquette. Dad was saddened to hear of David's passing and I am extending his sympathy to the family on his behalf. He wants you to know that you are in his thoughts and prayers."
Lyle G. Voss wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"My heartfelt condolences to the family. I will always remember the times I saw the capt studing Japanese shiping, he knew what he was shooting at. Thanks for bringing us all safely home."
Ralph Warnstrom wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"I first met Capt. McClintock around 1965 when he was the dinner speaker at a Subvets of WWII meeting in Frankfort, MI. He was from Marquette where I was from so we had much in common. He was not an individualist. He respected his comrades and always remembered those from the U.P. who served. I remember staying in his home along with Subvet Warren Nelson when we were envolved in the ELF Program. His memory remains at the top of the list of Submariners who served during WWII. He was always a warrior. I recall he drove to a meeting at Midland (Michigan) in a blinding snowstorm and he was the only one that showed up for the meeting. Everyone of us Submariners have a special memory of him & these are a few of mine as I reflect about Capt. David McClintock. Ralph E. Warnstrom, MoM2/c"
Joseph M. Fern, Capt U.S.N.R. wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"I served with the Captain aboard the Menhaden from its commissioning in Manitowoc til it was decommissioned in Mare Island. I was one of the original officers aboard. As a result, I knew the Captain well and I can remember many little talks that we had. After the war we occasionally visited because my son went to Northern Michigan University. I also knew Kirby. I will miss the Skipper but will always remember him, plus our entire original crew."
Michael D. McCombie wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"Dave was my Grandpa Donald Damoth's cousin and lived in the neighborhood where I grew up in Marquette. I remember spending a lot of time talking to Dave at my high school graduation party. Thanks Dave for being a great family member. We'll keep you in our prayers always. Love, Mike"
Paul J. Lapinski AVCM Ret. wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"I had the Privilege of a brief visit with Captain McClintock in August 2001 while in Marquette to assist with the installation of the periscope at the Maritime Museum. I am thankful that I was able to contribute to the lasting memorial."
EOC Cam D. Martin & Patricia wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"I was honored to have participated in all of the McClintock-Darter/Dace dedications at the Marquette Maritime Museum."
Kenneth K. Kauffman wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"Served under Captain McClintock aboard the USS Howard W. Gilmore AS-16, 1954-55. Partisipated in the famous "hurricane ride". My sincere regards. Ken Kauffman"