William A. Clark, Jr. was born on October 12, 1923 in Gregg County, Texas. Lt. Clark entered the Air Corps in 1943 and trained at Hemet, Calif, Phoenix, Ariz, Pecos, Texas and Tallahasse, Fla. He was assigned to the 314th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group during World War II.

The 314th Fighter Squadron converted from Curtis P-40 Warhawks to Republic P-47 Thunderbolts in July and supported the assault on southern France in August by dive-bombing gun positions, bridges, and radar facilities, and by patrolling the combat zone. It gave tactical support to Allied forces advancing through France. The squadron moved to Le Luc Airfield, France, 23 August 1944.

Lt. Clark served in North Africa, Italy, and France. On August 27, 1944, Lt. Clark took off with his P-47 from Le Luc Airfield and around 17:00, the plane was shot by flak. He successfully jumped with the parachute but was wounded by small fire arms during his descent. He was transported dying by Mr Brottes, then transferred to a hotel in St. Peray. He died the next day and was buried in the hotel courtyard until the liberation. Lt. Clark is now buried in the Rhone American Cemetery, Draguignan, France. He was awarded the Air Medal for destroying a Convoy on his last Mission.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, http://francecrashes39-45.net/page_fiche_av.php?id=4235, www.abmc.gov