[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 153 (Thursday, October 13, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H6906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING MAJOR THOMAS E. CLARK
(Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. The motto inscribed on the Prisoners of
War/Missing in Action flag reads, ``You are not forgotten.''
I rise today to Honor Major Thomas E. Clark, a U.S. soldier who
served in Vietnam, an airman who gave his life defending this country.
Originally from Emporium, Pennsylvania, Major Clark studied at Penn
State before being accepted into the Air Force Academy and graduating
in 1963. In 1969, while flying an F-100 in a mission over Laos, Major
Clark's aircraft was hit by enemy fire. The plane went crashing into
the jungle canopy. The wreckage was not found and Major Clark went
missing in action for 4 years when, in 1973, the Air Force determined
Clark was ``killed in action; body not recovered.'' In 1991, some of
the wreckage of the F-100 was found. Finally, in 2009, an investigation
found the remains of Major Clark.
Next week, the Air Force will bring home Major Clark to Emporium,
Pennsylvania, to have him properly laid to rest in his family's plot.
I'm truly proud and honored to recognize his bravery and thank him for
making the ultimate sacrifice for this country. He will not be
forgotten.
Major Clark, may you rest in peace.
____________________