[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 454-455]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   CONTINUING REMARKS HONORING DON K. CLARK, DIRECTOR OF THE HOUSTON 
                          DIVISION OF THE FBI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2000

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to commend 
a true Texas and American hero, Don Clark. Mr. Clark strode stoically 
into Houston like the lone sheriffs of lore. Standing alone, he quickly 
took matters into his own hands. Not only did he face down the criminal 
elements that plagued our fine city, but he also pierced that invisible 
wall that separated minorities from high ranking, law enforcement 
posts. Mr. Clark leaves his impressive imprint upon the city of 
Houston, and I congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement. He 
will be missed, but he will never be forgotten.
  Given his vast accomplishments, it should not surprise anyone that 
Mr. Clark is a native Texan. Like a true Texas hero, he forged a legacy 
upon hard work and dedication. He built this foundation upon his 
commitment to academia and military training. He received a Bachelor of 
Science degree in Engineering and a regular Army commission as a 2nd 
Lieutenant from Prairie View A&M University in 1967. As a long-time 
supporter of this Historically Black University, I take pride in the 
fact that Mr. Clark achieved such high excellence at this institution. 
He also attended Long Island University and completed course work for a 
Master of Science degree in Public Administration and graduated from 
Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government Program for 
Senior Managers in Government.
  Mr. Clark served in the U.S. Army from May, 1967, to November, 1976, 
attaining the rank of Captain in the Infantry. In 1973, I am proud to 
say that he was selected by the Chief of Staff of the Army to command 
an Airborne Ranger Company in a newly created ranger battalion.
  Because of his outstanding academic and military achievements, Mr. 
Clark earned his position as a Special Agent of the FBI on November 7, 
1976. His impressive service included assignments in Miami, New York, 
Los Angeles, Newark, San Antonio, and Washington, D.C. His 
extraordinary experience included foreign counterintelligence, 
counterterrorism, violent crimes, organized crime/drug and other FBI 
investigative programs.
  Because of Mr. Clark's diligence, he obtained far greater 
responsibilities, and as an African-American, I proudly watched as he 
rocketed through the ranks. And his brilliance was clearly evident 
during several high profile FBI investigations. In 1979, during the 
Iranian Hostage Crisis, Mr. Clark supervised the Iranian terrorism 
investigation and handled the movement of the Shah of Iran from New 
York City to San Antonio, Texas. Moreover, in 1985, Mr. Clark played a 
key role in the supervision of the terrorist attack aboard the Achille 
Lauro ship which claimed the life of passenger Leon Klinghoffer.

[[Page 455]]

  Mr. Clark's work with high profile cases continued into the 1990s. In 
February, 1993, Mr. Clark was assigned to manage the World Trade Center 
Bombing investigation. On April 1, 1996, while serving as the Special 
Agent in Charge in San Antonio, Mr. Clark was detailed to serve as one 
of the Special Agents in Charge of the Freemen crisis in Jordan, 
Montana.
  On July 2, 1996, Texas history was forever altered when Director 
Freeh appointed Mr. Clark as the Special Agent in Charge of the Houston 
Division, one of the FBI's Top Ten Field Divisions. He has been a model 
government official and a model citizen for the Houston community. He 
is living proof that commitment brings one's aspirations into vivid 
reality.
  Mr. Clark maintained numerous responsibilities while working for the 
FBI. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of 
Police and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement 
Executives. He has attended the FBI's Executive Development Institute, 
is a trained SWAT member, bombing instructor, and police training 
instructor.
  Mr. Clark's dedication is not only evident in his own work, it is 
also manifest in his numerous achievements, including high school class 
valedictorian, Who's Who in America's Colleges and Universities, 
Distinguished Military Graduate receiving a regular Army commission, 
and many awards and recognitions from both the U.S. Army and the FBI.
  I am most proud of the fact that Mr. Clark earned two Bronze Stars 
for Bravery while serving in Vietnam and the FBI Medal for Meritorious 
Achievement during law enforcement action. These awards clearly reveal 
Mr. Clark's strength of character and dedication to our country.
  Again, I wish Mr. Clark well as he embarks on his retirement. His 
exploits paint a vivid picture across the canvas that weaves among the 
United States, and for his work, he truly has earned his days of rest. 
I thank him for his efforts.

                          ____________________