November 3, 1919 - December 22, 1985

Captain Pentti A. Stark was born November 3, 1919, in New York, New York. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in June 1949. Following his graduation he was appointed as Deck Officer and on January 18, 1950, was commissioned as Ensign.

Captain Stark progressed through the grades with promotion to Lieutenant (junior grade) January 18, 1953, to Lieutenant January 18, 1955, to Lieutenant Commander February 1, 1959, to Commander November 1, 1963, and to Captain December 1, 1968. His duty included service on the following U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey ships: PARKER-BOWEN-STIRNI, GILBERT, PIONEER, SURVEYOR, E. LESTER JONES, HYDROGRAPHER as Operations Officer, DISCOVERER as Executive Officer, HILGARD-WAINWRIGHT, SCOTT, COWIE, and EXPLORER as Commanding Officer. Other assignments included: Airport surveys and hydrographic field parties, Portland District Officer, Atlantic Marine Center as Chief, Operations Division, and Miami Ship Base as officer-in-charge.

Captain Stark served in the Army Field Artillery as an artillery officer in the European Theater. For his service he was awarded the Purple Heart, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars.

Captain Stark retired April 1, 1971. His wife, Mrs. Jean Stark, continues to reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

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NOAA CORPS BULLETIN, 2/1/1986