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'''Herbert Vanallen Clark (March 16, 1919 – January 25, 2003)''' was a [[U.S. Army Air Force]]/[[U.S. Air Force]] officer and pilot with the all-[[African American]] [[332nd Fighter Group]], best known as the famed [[Tuskegee Airmen]], "Red Tails," or among enemy German pilots, “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” ("Black Birdmen").<ref> Caf Rise Above. "Herbert Vanallen Clark." https://cafriseabove.org/robert-ashby/ </ref> Clark was the first Arkansan to have graduated as a cadet fighter pilot.<ref> Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/ </ref>
'''Herbert Vanallen Clark (March 16, 1919 – January 25, 2003)''' was a [[U.S. Army Air Force]]/[[U.S. Air Force]] officer and pilot with the all-[[African American]] [[332nd Fighter Group]], best known as the famed [[Tuskegee Airmen]], "Red Tails," or among enemy German pilots, “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” ("Black Birdmen").<ref> Caf Rise Above. "Herbert Vanallen Clark." https://cafriseabove.org/robert-ashby/ </ref> Clark was the first Arkansan to have graduated as a cadet fighter pilot.<ref> Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/ </ref>


==Early Life==
==Early Life, Family==
Clark was born on March 16, 1919 in [[Pine Bluff, Arkansas]], [[Jefferson County, Arkansas]].
Clark was born on March 16, 1919 in [[Pine Bluff, Arkansas]], [[Jefferson County, Arkansas]].


Clark's son, Vann Clark, an electrical engineering Ph.D., worked at Boeing - St. Louis as an low observables engineer on the Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle program.<ref> WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html </ref>
⚫
==Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen]]


⚫
==Tuskegee Institute, Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen==
⚫
In 1942, Clark attended the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP). After completion, he entered basic training. Clark graduating from the Tuskegee cadet pilot program's Cadet Class - Single Engine Section - SE-42-F, receiving his silver wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. Clark was the first Arkansan to have graduated as a cadet fighter pilot.<ref> Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/ </ref> Assigned to the 332rd Fighter Group's 99th Pursuit Squadron]], Clark was one of the first African American pilots to have downed a German [[ME-109]] aircraft.<ref> Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/ </ref> Richard C. Caesar, Tuskegee Airmen September 6, 1942 Single Engine Section Class SE-42, was Tuskegee’s second Tuskegee graduate from [[Arkansas]].<ref> Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/ </ref><ref> WAYNE WRIGHT: MILITARY MATTERS: Tuskegee Airmen: A Cut Above. Wayne Wright. October 7, 2014. https://blog.mysanantonio.com/military-matters/2014/10/tuskegee-airmen-a-cut-above/ </ref> Dr. [[Granville C. Coggs]] of [[Tuskegee Airmen]]'s Twin Engine Section - TE-45-G Cadet Class, was Arkansas' third African American cadet.<ref> WAYNE WRIGHT: MILITARY MATTERS: Tuskegee Airmen: A Cut Above. Wayne Wright. October 7, 2014. https://blog.mysanantonio.com/military-matters/2014/10/tuskegee-airmen-a-cut-above/ </ref>


⚫
In 1939, Clark attended [[Tuskegee Institute]] in [[Tuskegee, Alabama]]. In In 1942, Clark signed up for the U.S. government's Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) and learned how to fly.After completion, he entered basic training. Clark graduating from the Tuskegee cadet pilot program's Cadet Class - Single Engine Section - SE-42-F, receiving his silver wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. Clark was the first Arkansan to have graduated as a cadet fighter pilot.<ref> Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/ </ref> Assigned to the 332rd Fighter Group's 99th Pursuit Squadron]], Clark was one of the first African American pilots to have downed a German [[ME-109]] aircraft.<ref> Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/ </ref> Richard C. Caesar, Tuskegee Airmen September 6, 1942 Single Engine Section Class SE-42, was Tuskegee’s second Tuskegee graduate from [[Arkansas]].<ref> Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/ </ref><ref> WAYNE WRIGHT: MILITARY MATTERS: Tuskegee Airmen: A Cut Above. Wayne Wright. October 7, 2014. https://blog.mysanantonio.com/military-matters/2014/10/tuskegee-airmen-a-cut-above/ </ref> Dr. [[Granville C. Coggs]] of [[Tuskegee Airmen]]'s Twin Engine Section - TE-45-G Cadet Class, was Arkansas' third African American cadet.<ref> WAYNE WRIGHT: MILITARY MATTERS: Tuskegee Airmen: A Cut Above. Wayne Wright. October 7, 2014. https://blog.mysanantonio.com/military-matters/2014/10/tuskegee-airmen-a-cut-above/ </ref>
⚫
On August 16, 1944, Clark was shot down over [[Oberraderach]] Chemical Works in [[Germany]].<ref> World War II Pictures In Details - Pilots of Tuskegee Airmen Discusses Air Action Over Anzio. 14 November 2012. https://ww2images.blogspot.com/2012/11/pilots-of-tuskegee-airmen-discusses-air.html </ref> Evading capture, Clark led a group of anti-Axis Italian resistance fighters.<ref> World War II Pictures In Details - Pilots of Tuskegee Airmen Discusses Air Action Over Anzio. 14 November 2012. https://ww2images.blogspot.com/2012/11/pilots-of-tuskegee-airmen-discusses-air.html </ref> On May 7, 1945, Clark rejoined the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Pursuit Squadron.<ref> World War II Pictures In Details - Pilots of Tuskegee Airmen Discusses Air Action Over Anzio. 14 November 2012. https://ww2images.blogspot.com/2012/11/pilots-of-tuskegee-airmen-discusses-air.html </ref>

In March 1941, Clark met First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt when she visited Tuskegee Army Air Field. Mrs. Roosevelt told Clark: "Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't."<ref> WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html </ref>

Clark flew 33 missions, shooting down four planes over enemy territory.<ref> WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html </ref>

⚫
On August 16, 1944, Clark was shot down over [[Oberraderach]] Chemical Works in [[Germany]] when flak from an exploding anti-aircraft shell hit his plane and broke the oil line.<ref> World War II Pictures In Details - Pilots of Tuskegee Airmen Discusses Air Action Over Anzio. 14 November 2012. https://ww2images.blogspot.com/2012/11/pilots-of-tuskegee-airmen-discusses-air.html </ref> Evading capture, Clark was taken in by a band of anti-Axis Italian resistance fighters, fighting alongside them in raids against the enemy until Germany surrendered, ending the [[World War II]] in the [[European Theater]]<ref> WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html </ref> <ref> World War II Pictures In Details - Pilots of Tuskegee Airmen Discusses Air Action Over Anzio. 14 November 2012. https://ww2images.blogspot.com/2012/11/pilots-of-tuskegee-airmen-discusses-air.html </ref> On May 7, 1945, Clark rejoined the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Pursuit Squadron.<ref> World War II Pictures In Details - Pilots of Tuskegee Airmen Discusses Air Action Over Anzio. 14 November 2012. https://ww2images.blogspot.com/2012/11/pilots-of-tuskegee-airmen-discusses-air.html </ref><ref> WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html </ref>

After [[World War II]], Clark was promoted to U.S. Air Force Captain in 1950, and to Major in 1955.<ref> WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html </ref>

==Later Life==

Clark worked as a an electronic instrument maker and TV repairman.<ref> WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html </ref>


==Death==
==Death==

Revision as of 17:18, 14 July 2021

Herbert V. Clark
Born
Herbert Vanallen Clark

March 16, 1919
Pine Bluff, Arkansas, US
DiedJanuary 25, 2003(2003-01-25) (aged 83)
Blacksburg, Virginia, US
Resting placeWestview Cemetery, {[Blacksburg, Virginia]],
Occupations
  • Military officer
  • fighter pilot
Years active1942 – Unknown

Herbert Vanallen Clark (March 16, 1919 – January 25, 2003) was a U.S. Army Air Force/U.S. Air Force officer and pilot with the all-African American 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the famed Tuskegee Airmen, "Red Tails," or among enemy German pilots, “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” ("Black Birdmen").[1] Clark was the first Arkansan to have graduated as a cadet fighter pilot.[2]

Early Life, Family

Clark was born on March 16, 1919 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Jefferson County, Arkansas.

Clark's son, Vann Clark, an electrical engineering Ph.D., worked at Boeing - St. Louis as an low observables engineer on the Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle program.[3]

Tuskegee Institute, Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen

In 1939, Clark attended Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. In In 1942, Clark signed up for the U.S. government's Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) and learned how to fly.After completion, he entered basic training. Clark graduating from the Tuskegee cadet pilot program's Cadet Class - Single Engine Section - SE-42-F, receiving his silver wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. Clark was the first Arkansan to have graduated as a cadet fighter pilot.[4] Assigned to the 332rd Fighter Group's 99th Pursuit Squadron]], Clark was one of the first African American pilots to have downed a German ME-109 aircraft.[5] Richard C. Caesar, Tuskegee Airmen September 6, 1942 Single Engine Section Class SE-42, was Tuskegee’s second Tuskegee graduate from Arkansas.[6][7] Dr. Granville C. Coggs of Tuskegee Airmen's Twin Engine Section - TE-45-G Cadet Class, was Arkansas' third African American cadet.[8]

In March 1941, Clark met First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt when she visited Tuskegee Army Air Field. Mrs. Roosevelt told Clark: "Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't."[9]

Clark flew 33 missions, shooting down four planes over enemy territory.[10]

On August 16, 1944, Clark was shot down over Oberraderach Chemical Works in Germany when flak from an exploding anti-aircraft shell hit his plane and broke the oil line.[11] Evading capture, Clark was taken in by a band of anti-Axis Italian resistance fighters, fighting alongside them in raids against the enemy until Germany surrendered, ending the World War II in the European Theater[12] [13] On May 7, 1945, Clark rejoined the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Pursuit Squadron.[14][15]

After World War II, Clark was promoted to U.S. Air Force Captain in 1950, and to Major in 1955.[16]

Later Life

Clark worked as a an electronic instrument maker and TV repairman.[17]

Death

Clark passed away on January 25, 2003 at the age of 83. He was interred at the Westview Cemetery in Blacksburg, Virginia, Montgomery County, Virginia. [18]

See also

References

  1. ^ Caf Rise Above. "Herbert Vanallen Clark." https://cafriseabove.org/robert-ashby/
  2. ^ Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/
  3. ^ WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html
  4. ^ Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/
  5. ^ Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/
  6. ^ Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/
  7. ^ WAYNE WRIGHT: MILITARY MATTERS: Tuskegee Airmen: A Cut Above. Wayne Wright. October 7, 2014. https://blog.mysanantonio.com/military-matters/2014/10/tuskegee-airmen-a-cut-above/
  8. ^ WAYNE WRIGHT: MILITARY MATTERS: Tuskegee Airmen: A Cut Above. Wayne Wright. October 7, 2014. https://blog.mysanantonio.com/military-matters/2014/10/tuskegee-airmen-a-cut-above/
  9. ^ WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html
  10. ^ WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html
  11. ^ World War II Pictures In Details - Pilots of Tuskegee Airmen Discusses Air Action Over Anzio. 14 November 2012. https://ww2images.blogspot.com/2012/11/pilots-of-tuskegee-airmen-discusses-air.html
  12. ^ WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html
  13. ^ World War II Pictures In Details - Pilots of Tuskegee Airmen Discusses Air Action Over Anzio. 14 November 2012. https://ww2images.blogspot.com/2012/11/pilots-of-tuskegee-airmen-discusses-air.html
  14. ^ World War II Pictures In Details - Pilots of Tuskegee Airmen Discusses Air Action Over Anzio. 14 November 2012. https://ww2images.blogspot.com/2012/11/pilots-of-tuskegee-airmen-discusses-air.html
  15. ^ WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html
  16. ^ WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html
  17. ^ WIX Archives. Boeing St. Louis company newspaper. "A man who did what he thought was right: Story of Herbert Clark, Tuskegee Airmen." Sue Schantz. Mar 06, 2003. http://www.archive.warbirdinformationexchange.org/archives/post23418.html
  18. ^ Find a Grave. "Maj Herbert Vanallen Clark." https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63111345/herbert-vanallen-clark
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