TFH 11/18: Major Colin Arnold Clarke, USAF

Blogger's note: My apologies to the legacy of this post's subject as this should have appeared on Sunday, November 18, 2012 - the 40th anniversary of the events.

Colin Arnold Clarke, known as "Arnie", was born on August 31, 1935 in Seattle, Washington. He began service to our Nation when he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve on January 3, 1954. While serving with the United States Navy, he graduated from the University of Washington in 1958 and later was honorably discharged on May 3, 1960 so he could attend Officer Training School for the United States Air Force. He was commissioned on May 9, 1960 and received his pilot's wings in September of 1961.

Clarke served four tours during the Vietnam War. During his fourth on November 18, 1972, he directed a search and rescue mission that retrieved two downed American airmen from the clutches of the enemy. He received the Air Force Cross for his heroism.


From Military Times' Hall of Valor:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Colin Arnold "Arnie" Clarke (AFSN: 0-73845), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an A-7 aircraft of the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action as On-Scene Commander for search and rescue operations over North Vietnam, on 18 November 1972. On that date, Major Clarke directed an extremely complex mission that resulted in the successful recovery of two downed airmen despite adverse weather, mountainous terrain, and intense hostile ground fire. Disregarding these hazards, his own safety, and battle damage to his aircraft, he personally guided the rescue helicopter to the survivors' location, suppressed hostile defenses, and continued to direct rescue efforts even though he sustained additional damage to his aircraft. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Major Clarke reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Clarke retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1981. He passed away on December 13, 2010 and rests in peace at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. The present day 355th Fighter Wing, of which the 354th Fighter Squadron is still a part, flies the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.