Albert Patton Clark (1913–2010) was a U.S. Air Force lieutenant general known for his distinguished military career and leadership. He served as the sixth superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, shaping military education.
Born at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Clark graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point (1936) and completed flight training (1937.) During World War II, he was second in command of the 31st Fighter Group, the first American fighter unit in the European Theater. In 1942, he was shot down over France and spent 33 months as a prisoner at Stalag Luft III, the German camp famous for the Great Escape—a daring World War II mass breakout later documented in Paul Brickhill’s The Great Escape (1950) and celebrated in the 1963 film of the same name.
After the war, Clark held leadership roles, commanding the 48th Fighter Bomber Wing, serving as chief of staff of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and leading the Air University. In 1970, he became superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, emphasizing academic excellence and leadership training.
Clark authored 33 Months as a POW in Stalag Luft III (2005,) a memoir of his wartime captivity, and Falconry at the United States Air Force Academy (2003,) examining the academy’s falconry program.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Albert P. Clark
In our daily lives, we must see That it is not happiness that makes us grateful, But the gratefulness that makes us happy.
—Albert P. Clark
Topics: Happiness
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