State House Honors Emporium Airman

HARRISBURG – The state House has unanimously approved a resolution honoring an Emporium native who was killed in action in the Vietnam War more than 40 years ago, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint).

The remains of Air Force Maj. Thomas Edward Clark were recently identified and will be buried in the family plot with Clark’s mother and father, Josephine and Otto Clark, on Saturday, Oct. 22 in Emporium.

“It is an honor to pay tribute to this fallen soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country,” said Causer. “It is important that we bring all of our soldiers home, both to ensure proper burial and give closure to their families.”

Gov. Tom Corbett has ordered the U.S. and Pennsylvania flags at the Capitol Complex and in Cameron County to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday in honor of Clark’s service.

Clark was flying a Vietnam combat mission over Laos on Feb. 8, 1969, when his plane was hit by anti-aircraft artillery, burst into flames and crashed. The U.S. Air Force determined Clark was killed in action and posthumously promoted him to the rank of major. After several searches of the crash site over the last two decades, Clark’s remains were finally discovered.