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Mark W. Clark

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Mark W. Clark
NameMark W. Clark
CaptionGeneral Mark W. Clark
Birth date1 May 1896
Death date17 April 1984
Birth placeMadison Barracks, Sackets Harbor, New York, U.S.
Death placeCharleston, South Carolina, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
BranchUnited States Army
Serviceyears1917–1953
RankGeneral
CommandsUnited Nations Command, United States Army Field Forces, Sixth United States Army, 15th Army Group, Fifth United States Army, II Corps
BattlesWorld War I, World War II, Korean War
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross (2), Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal (3), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart
SpouseMaurine Doran, 1924, 1966

Mark W. Clark was a prominent United States Army officer who commanded major formations during World War II and the Korean War. Rising to the rank of General, he is best known for leading the Fifth United States Army during the Italian Campaign and later serving as the Supreme Allied Commander in that theater. His later career included command of all United Nations forces during the final stages of the Korean War.

Early life and education

Born at Madison Barracks in Sackets Harbor, New York, he was the son of a career United States Army officer. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1917 alongside classmates like Matthew Ridgway. His early education was shaped by a strong military tradition, preparing him for immediate service as the United States entered World War I.

World War I and interwar period

Commissioned into the Infantry, he served with the 11th Infantry Regiment in France, where he was wounded by Artillery fire during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. During the interwar period, he held various staff and training positions, including instructor roles at the Infantry School at Fort Benning. He also graduated from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and the Army War College, building a reputation as a skilled planner and administrator.

World War II

Rapidly promoted after the Attack on Pearl Harbor, he became Deputy Chief of Staff of the United States Army under General George Marshall. In 1942, he was appointed Commanding General of the II Corps and soon after commanded the Fifth United States Army, leading the Allied invasion of Italy at Salerno. He oversaw the difficult advance through the Winter Line and the subsequent battles for Monte Cassino and the Anzio beachhead. In late 1944, he assumed command of the 15th Army Group, becoming the youngest American Army group commander, and directed the final Spring 1945 offensive in Italy that led to the German surrender in that theater.

Korean War

Recalled to active duty in 1952, he was appointed Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers and commander of the United Nations Command in the Korean War, succeeding General Matthew Ridgway. His tenure oversaw the final stages of static warfare along the Demilitarized Zone and the difficult Armistice negotiations at Panmunjom. He ultimately signed the Korean Armistice Agreement on behalf of the United Nations in July 1953, concluding the active fighting.

Post-military career and death

After retiring from the United States Army in 1953, he served as President of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, from 1954 to 1965, significantly expanding the institution. He remained a public figure, authoring memoirs such as Calculated Risk and participating in veterans' affairs. He died in Charleston, South Carolina in 1984 and was interred at The Citadel.

Awards and decorations

His numerous military honors include two awards of the Distinguished Service Cross for valor in World War II, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and three awards of the Army Distinguished Service Medal. He also received the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart, along with many foreign decorations such as the Italian Order of Merit and the French Legion of Honour.

Category:United States Army generals Category:American military personnel of World War I Category:American military personnel of World War II Category:American military personnel of the Korean War Category:1896 births Category:1984 deaths