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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 combat fighter 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, Italian resistance fighter, and combat fighter 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>

On August 16, 1944, Clark's aircraft was shot down en route to [[Oberraderach]] Chemical Works - [[Germany]]; flak from an exploding anti-aircraft shell hit the aircraft 1.5 miles N of [[Miane, Italy]], breaking the aircraft's oil line.<ref> TABLE OF 332D FIGHTER GROUP REPORTED FIGHTER AIRCRAFT LOSSES ACCORDING TO MISSING AIR CREW REPORTS
FEBRUARY 1944-APRIL 1945. Researcher: Dr. Daniel L. Haulman. Air Force Historical Research Agency. https://www.tuskegee.edu/Content/Uploads/Tuskegee/files/332dFighterGroupMissingCrew.pdf </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> Evading capture, Clark joined a band of anti-Axis Italian resistance fighters, fighting the Nazis until the end of [[World War II]] in [[Europe]]<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>


==Early Life, Family==
==Early Life, Family==
Line 19: Line 22:


==Tuskegee Institute, Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen==
==Tuskegee Institute, Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen==

In 1939, Clark attended [[Tuskegee Institute]] in [[Tuskegee, Alabama]]. In 1942, Clark signed up for the U.S. government's [[Civilian Pilot Training Program]] (CPTP). After completing the CPTP, he entered basic training.
In 1939, Clark attended [[Tuskegee Institute]] in [[Tuskegee, Alabama]]. In 1942, Clark signed up for the U.S. government's [[Civilian Pilot Training Program]] (CPTP). After completing the CPTP, he entered basic training.


Clark attended the Tuskegee Cadet Pilot program, graduating from its Single Engine Section Class SE-42-F and 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>
Clark attended the Tuskegee Cadet Pilot program, graduating from its Single Engine Section Class SE-42-F and 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 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>
In March 1941, Clark met [[First Lady of the United States]] [[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>
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>
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==Later life==
==Later life==

Clark worked as 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>
Clark worked as 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>


Revision as of 17:02, 10 August 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 – 1955

Herbert Vanallen Clark (March 16, 1919 – January 25, 2003) was a U.S. Army Air Force/U.S. Air Force officer, Italian resistance fighter, and combat fighter 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]

On August 16, 1944, Clark's aircraft was shot down en route to Oberraderach Chemical Works - Germany; flak from an exploding anti-aircraft shell hit the aircraft 1.5 miles N of Miane, Italy, breaking the aircraft's oil line.[3][4] Evading capture, Clark joined a band of anti-Axis Italian resistance fighters, fighting the Nazis until the end of World War II in Europe[5][6]

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.[7]

Tuskegee Institute, Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen

In 1939, Clark attended Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. In 1942, Clark signed up for the U.S. government's Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP). After completing the CPTP, he entered basic training.

Clark attended the Tuskegee Cadet Pilot program, graduating from its Single Engine Section Class SE-42-F and receiving his silver wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. Clark was the first Arkansan to have graduated as a cadet fighter pilot.[8] 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.[9] Richard C. Caesar, Tuskegee Airmen September 6, 1942 Single Engine Section Class SE-42, was Tuskegee's second Tuskegee graduate from Arkansas.[10][11] Dr. Granville C. Coggs of Tuskegee Airmen's Twin Engine Section - TE-45-G Cadet Class, was Arkansas' third African American cadet.[12]

In March 1941, Clark met First Lady of the United States 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."[13]

Clark flew 33 missions, shooting down four planes over enemy territory.[14]

On August 16, 1944, Clark's aircraft was shot down en route to Oberraderach Chemical Works - Germany; flak from an exploding anti-aircraft shell hit the aircraft 1.5 miles N of Miane, Italy, breaking the aircraft's oil line.[15][16] 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[17][18] On May 7, 1945, Clark rejoined the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Pursuit Squadron.[19][20]

After World War II, Clark was promoted to U.S. Air Force Captain in 1950, and to Major in 1955.[21]

Later life

Clark worked as an electronic instrument maker and TV repairman.[22]

Death

Clark died on January 25, 2003, at the age of 83. He was interred at the Westview Cemetery in Blacksburg, Virginia, Montgomery County, Virginia.

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. ^ TABLE OF 332D FIGHTER GROUP REPORTED FIGHTER AIRCRAFT LOSSES ACCORDING TO MISSING AIR CREW REPORTS FEBRUARY 1944-APRIL 1945. Researcher: Dr. Daniel L. Haulman. Air Force Historical Research Agency. https://www.tuskegee.edu/Content/Uploads/Tuskegee/files/332dFighterGroupMissingCrew.pdf
  4. ^ 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
  5. ^ 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
  6. ^ 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
  7. ^ 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
  8. ^ Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/
  9. ^ Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/
  10. ^ Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Herbert V. Clark." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/media/herbert-v-clark-10448/
  11. ^ 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/
  12. ^ 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/
  13. ^ 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
  14. ^ 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
  15. ^ TABLE OF 332D FIGHTER GROUP REPORTED FIGHTER AIRCRAFT LOSSES ACCORDING TO MISSING AIR CREW REPORTS FEBRUARY 1944-APRIL 1945. Researcher: Dr. Daniel L. Haulman. Air Force Historical Research Agency. https://www.tuskegee.edu/Content/Uploads/Tuskegee/files/332dFighterGroupMissingCrew.pdf
  16. ^ 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
  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. ^ 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
  19. ^ 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
  20. ^ 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
  21. ^ 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
  22. ^ 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
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