Class of 1963
Thomas Edward Clark
"Tom"
d 1969
| Service United States Air Force |
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| Highest Rank Major |
Years of Service 6 |
Combat Yes |
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Biography as of: Jun 08, 2019
Tom was a star fullback on his high school team and graduated with honors in Emporium, PA, in 1957. After 2 years at Penn State, he came to the Academy where he was on the Commandant's Merit List every semester but 1.
Following pilot training at Vance AFB, OK, he spent several months in combat crew training at Castle AFB, CA, before a tour in B-52s at Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico. In April 1968 he went to Luke AFB, AZ, for his checkout in F-100s, then arrived at Phu Cat AB on the coast of South Vietnam in late November 1968.
During his first two months he averaged about 3 combat missions every 4 days over South Vietnam and Laos. On 8 February 1969, Tom was in a flight of 4 F-100s attempting to destroy an antiaircraft gun site in Laos about 25 miles west of the DMZ, probably along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. A significant danger in attacking AAA sites is the aircraft becomes almost a fixed target for the gunners. They can put up a barrage of shells for the aircraft to fly through.
Apparently the target was a 23mm gun emplacement, normally with 2 or 4 barrels firing together. As a FAC flying Cessnas over the Trail in 1967, I feared 23mm guns the most. They have a high rate of fire like a machine gun sending out fast-rising shells that explode on contact. At night the shells look like a fiery rope racing upward into the sky.
So Tom was bravely attacking guns that could put up hundreds of explosive shells between the gunners and his F-100. Tom's plane was hit on one of his attacks and crashed without any indication Tom had a chance to get out.
While Tom was listed as Missing in Action, he was promoted to major. In 2011 his recently identified remains were returned to Emporium to the hero's welcome Tom deserved.
Mountain Boy
He loved the mountains and the trout streams.
He loved his family and all the townspeople.
He had friends wherever he went.
He loved the mountains and the trout streams.
He loved his family and all the townspeople.
He had friends wherever he went.
His goal was to serve his country and later in life retire in these mountains,
but he loved us all enough to give his life for his country.
The family (R. B. Clark)
"Tom was serious, solid, a squared away cadet, and a lot of fun to be with. I remember his great smile." Lou Matjasko, Class of 1963
"Major Clark was returned home to Emporium, PA in October of 2011. He is buried in St. Mark's Cemetery and was awarded full military honors. His welcome home through the main street of Emporium was one of dignity and honor for his service. It was the most impressive display of patriotism I have ever witnessed." Nila DeFrancesco
"He was a hardworking, determined young man, with a fun loving, kind and loyal nature. He was determined to succeed in school, sports, his career and family, and in his short life, he did. I am a better person for having known Tom Clark." David M. Smith
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