A Tribute: Terry Desmond Clark
The following information is taken from the "Find A Grave" web site, and was compiled and added to the site by Tom Reese, who has collected information on those individuals from North Carolina who died in Vietnam.
24 May 1969
Corporal Terry Desmond Clark
Birth: Sep. 15, 1950, Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina, USA
Death: May 24, 1969, Hua Nghia, Vietnam
Cpl Terry Desmond Clark, Vietnam Veteran, former Native of Wilmington, now a Native of Wallace, NC.
Cpl Terry Desmond Clark was a member of the Army. CPL Clark served our country until May 24th, 1969 in Hua Nghia, South Vietnam. He was 18 years old and was married. It was reported that Terry died from an undetermined explosion. His body was recovered. CPL Clark is on panel 24W, line 093 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for less than a year.
My name is Marie Johnson, Terry Desmond Clark is my cousin. His mother and my father are siblings. I have lots of warm, wonderful memories of our childhood. We were very close to each other. For a number of years, we lived in the same subdivision and attended Sunset Junior High School in Wilmington, NC. I remember one summer spending a lot of time standing together in a swing made of rope attached to a large limb in a pine tree. We would sing to the top of our voice and swing as high as it would go.
Terry was cited for action that occurred while he was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam. While on a reconnaissance in force operation in the Hau Nghia Province at approximately 2:00 p.m., May 24, 1969, Terry noted that a forward element had tripped an enemy booby trap, a wire leading to a 55mm artillery shell. He shouted a warning to his comrades and at the same time ran forward and knocked them down. Terry was fatally wounded when the shell exploded, but his actions saved several lives and permitted the unit to continue its mission.
I was 8 months pregnant with my second child when Terry died. When I gave birth to a son July 15, 1969, I asked Terry's mom (Katherine Johnson Clark) about me naming my son in honor of my cousin. His mom gave me her blessings to do so. My son was named Terry. As my son grew up, he was told of his namesake and showed the picture of Terry in the June 27, 1969 edition of Life's "The Faces of The American Dead in Vietnam One Week's Toll" published with Terry's and others who died in Vietnam. I am grateful for all the men and women who gave their lives, their time from their family and friends, and ALL who were able to come home. I appreciate the people who have worked to honor the dead and wounded. Thank you. Marie Johnson
Above Photo: My uncle, Terry Clark, was killed in Vietnam. My father is Dave Clark. I never new my uncle but have always heard fine stories about the man. I will always respect him for what he did for our country. Thank you, Uncle Terry. Wes Clark.
WALLACE - Word has been received of the death of PFC Terry Desmond Clark, 18, of Route 2, Wallace, formerly of Wilmington, on 24 May in South Vietnam. Survivors include his widow, Mrs Sheila Dodson Clark of Wallace, his Father, Charles Clark of Watha; his Mother, Mrs Cathy McGirt of Wilmington; two sisters; Priscilla Clark and Carolyn Ann McGirt, both of Wilmington; two brothers, David Clark of the US Army in Virginia and Kent Clark of Wilmington.
He was the Husband of Mrs Sheila N Clark, Route #2, Box 284-D, Wallace, NC.
He served with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, "Golden Dragons", 25th Infantry Division, "Tropic Lightning", USARV.
He was awarded The Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB), The Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, the Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.
2/14th First Person Accounts: A Tribute: Terry Desmond Clark
All rights reserved, copyright © 2011 Tom Reese and 'Find A Grave' web site
Last modified: May 19, 2011
