Colin Clarke served in the U.S. Naval Reserved while completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington. After graduation he was discharged in order to attend the Air Force OTS program, earning his commission and subsequently earning his wings. He served his first tour of duty in Vietnam in 1962-63, and a second tour in 1964-65. He earned the Silver Star on his third Vietnam tour in 1968-69, and the Air Force Cross during his fourth tour in Vietnam in 1972-73. In all he completed 385 combat missions in Southeast Asia, and was shot down and rescued twice. He later served with the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Tehran, Iran, until he was evacuated due to the revolution that led to the Iranian hostage crisis. He retired from the Air Force on August 1, 1981.
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Cemetery:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
352d Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Phu Cat Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Colin Arnold “Arnie” Clarke (AFSN: 0-73845), United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
352d Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Phu Cat Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
August 19, 1968
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Colin Arnold “Arnie” Clarke (AFSN: 0-73845), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-100 aircraft of the 352d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Phu Cat Air Base, Vietnam, in action near Tay Ninh, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 August 1968. On that date, Captain Clarke led a flight of two F-100 aircraft in support of an ambushed armored column. Despite darkness, poor visibility, and intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, all ordnance was placed precisely on the target. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Clarke made repeated passes on the hostile position until all his ammunition had been expended. His timely reaction and accurate delivery of ordnance saved the armored column. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Clarke has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
354th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
November 17, 1972
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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
352d Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Phu Cat Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Colin Arnold “Arnie” Clarke (AFSN: 0-73845), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
352d Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Phu Cat Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Colin Arnold “Arnie” Clarke (AFSN: 0-73845), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.