• Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

Date of birth:

February 8th, 1916

Date of death:

November 9th, 1944 (over Belgium)

Nationality:

American

Servicenumber O-824097.

James Duane Clark was born in Lucas County on February 8th, 1916 as son to Melvin R. and Mabel D. Clark. He graduated from Chariton High School in 1933 and found occupation as steelworker and welder.

He was enlisted on February 23rd, 1943. On February 8th, 1944 he received his pilot wings and his commission as 2nd Lieutenant at Camp George Field III. He was transferred to England on June 13th, 1944, where he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in October 1944.
James Duane Clark was married to Barbara M. Clark, born Sutton.

Clark was assigned as co-pilot of B-17G "Cicero Kid" from 563rd Bombardment Squadron, 388th Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force on the crews 33rd mission on November 9th, 1944. The mission went from Station 136, Knettishall, England towards the factories and railway junction near Saarbrücken, Germany. Over Foriches, Belgium an engine caught fire and shortly after the plane was split into three by explosions. Seven men of the crew managed to escape with their parachutes but pilot John J. Chimenti and co-Pilot Clark were killed.

The remains of James Duane Clark were transferred from Europe to Chariton, together with that of his brother Beryl L. Clark, who was killed inaction in Luxemburg on January 11th, 1945, in August 1948. He lies buried at the Chariton Cemetery, Section K, Row 5, Plot 69, Chariton, Iowa.

Promotions:
February 23rd, 1943: Enlisted Man;
June 5th, 1943: Aviation Cadet;
February 12th, 1944: 2nd Lieutenant;
October 1944: 1st Lieutenant.

Career:
February 23rd, 1943: U.S. Army;
June 5th, 1943: School for Pilots, Maxwell field, Alabama;
November 18th, 1943: Flight Training, Greenville Army Airfield, Greenville;
? - February 12th, 1943: Army Air Forces Pilot School (Advanced 2 Engine), George Field, Illinois.

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• Photo 1: Bill Gonyo
• - The Lucas Countyan