Skip to content

Today in History – April 5, 1962 – 1962 Neil Armstrong takes X-15 to 54,600m

Neil Armstrong and the X-15 by Bob van der Linden, Posted on Tue, July 23, 2019, Aeronautics Department, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum “Released from duty in mid-1952, Armstrong returned to Purdue where he earned his degree in aeronautical engineering in 1955. His love of flight and engineering drew him to the National Advisory

Read More »
Join The SSS
Update My Bio
Main Menu
  • Home
  • History
    • About The SSS
    • Headed West
    • Biographies
    • Today in F-100 History
    • SSS Caterpillar
    • Wall of Honor
    • F-100 Information
    • Friends of the Super Sabre
    • N. American F-100 Super Sabre
  • Galleries
  • The Intake
    • About The Intake: Journal
    • The Intake: Journal of the Super Sabre Society – Archives
  • What’s New
  • Contact

Clarke, Colin Arnold

  • Home
  • Biography
  • Biographies
  • Clarke, Colin Arnold

Colin Arnold Clarke

Preferred Name: Arnie
Nickname/Call Sign: Misty 89
Date of Birth: August 31, 1935
Highest Military Grade: 0-5 – Lieutenant Colonel
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Headed West Date: December 13, 2010
Biography
Pilot Information
Headed West
Caterpillar Club
Album
Books

Arnie Clarke “enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve on January 3, 1954, and was trained as an Electronics Technician. Clarke completed his bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Washington in 1958, and received an honorable discharge from the Naval Reserve on May 3, 1960, in order to attend Air Force Officer Training School. He was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Air Force at Lackland AFB, Texas, on August 9, 1960, and completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Williams AFB, Arizona, in September 1961.

Lt Clarke next completed F-100 Super Sabre Combat Crew Training and then served with the 522nd Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) at Cannon AFB, New Mexico, from October 1962 to May 1965. During this time, he deployed to Southeast Asia in support of the Vietnam War two times, first from December 1962 to February 1963, and then again from August 1964 to February 1965, flying 27 combat missions in the process.

Capt Clarke then transferred to the 77th TFS at RAF Wethersfield, England, where he served until July 1968, when he again deployed to Southeast Asia. He flew 285 combat missions with the 352nd TFS at Phan Rang AB and later from Phu Cat AB in the Republic of Vietnam between July 1968 and July 1969, flying the F-100, O-1 Bird Dog, OV-10 Bronco, OH-6 Cayuse, and one mission in a Navy F-4J Phantom II flying off the USS Ranger (CV-61). During this time, Clarke volunteered as a Misty FAST FAC from January to July 1969.

After returning from Vietnam, Maj Clarke served as an Air Liaison Officer with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from August 1969 to May 1971. He then completed A-7 Corsair II Combat Crew Training and served with the 356th TFS of the 354th TFW at Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina, from May 1971 to March 1974. During this time, he deployed to Southeast Asia as an A-7 Sandy pilot, where he flew an additional 73 combat missions from Korat Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, between October 1972 and March 1973.

During his 385 combat missions in Southeast Asia, Clarke was shot down and rescued twice, first on August 18, 1964, and a second time while flying as a Misty FAC on January 22, 1969. His next assignment was as an Air Force Advisor to the 185th Tactical Fighter Group of the Iowa Air National Guard from March 1974 to July 1978, and then as Chief of the Joint Operations Branch, Air Force Operations and Training Division, of the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Tehran, Iran, from July 1978 to February 1979, when he was evacuated due to the Iranian Revolution.

Col Clarke’s final assignment was as Chief of Current Operations with Headquarters 17th Air Force at Sembach AB, West Germany, from February 1979 until his retirement from the Air Force on August 1, 1981.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Arnie managed Pangborn Memorial Airport in East Wenatchee, Washington” (1) until January 1, 2004, “and was working on building a Glastar on amphibian floats.  In September ’05, he flew 66.5 hours to commemorate Canada’s first Atlantic crossing.  He also visited major aviation museums in Canada and flew in the Toronto airshow.   Go to www.airic.ca and Classic Aircraft to see photos over Toronto.”(2)

“His Air Force Cross Citation reads:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Section 8742, Title 10, United States Code, awards the Air Force Cross to Major Colin A. Clarke for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as On-Scene Commander for search and rescue operations over North Vietnam on 18 November 1972. On that date, Major Clarke directed an extremely complex mission that resulted in the successful recovery of two downed airmen despite adverse weather, mountainous terrain, and intense hostile ground fire. Disregarding these hazards, his own safety, and battle damage to his aircraft, he personally guided the rescue helicopter to the survivors’ location, suppressed hostile defenses, and continued to direct rescue efforts even though he sustained additional damage to his aircraft. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Major Clarke reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force

Arnie Clarke died on December 13, 2010, and was buried at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington” (1)

(1) Source: VeteranTributes.com
(2) MistyVietnam.com

Units Assigned

  • 1/3/1954 Enlisted in U.S. Naval Reserve, Electronics Technician
  • 5/3/1960 Honorable Discharge from Naval Reserve in order to attend Air Force Officer Training School
  • 8/9/1960 Commissioned a 2d Lt USAF,  Lackland AFB, T
  • 9/1961 Undergraduate Pilot Training/Pilot wings, Williams AFB, AZ, in September 1961
  • 10/1962-5/1965 F-100 Super Sabre Combat Crew Training, 522nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cannon AFB, NM (F-100)
  • 12/1962-2/1963 and 8/1964-2/1965 Vietnam (F-100 – 27 combat missions)
  • 2/1965-7/1968  77th Tactical Fighter Squadron, RAF Wethersfield, England (F-100)
  • 7/1968-7/1969 352nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Phan Rang AB and Phu Cat AB, Vietnam(F-100, O-1 Bird Dog, OV-10 Bronco, OH-6 Cayuse, one mission in a Navy F-4J Phantom II – 285 combat missions)
  • 1/1969-7/1969 Misty FAST FAC #89, Vietnam
  • 8/1969-5/1971 Air Liaison Officer, U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division,  Fort Bragg, NC
  • 5/1971-3/1974 A-7 Corsair II Combat Crew Training, 356th TFS of the 354th TFW at Myrtle Beach AFB, SC (A-7)
  • 10/1972-3/1973 A-7 “Sandy” pilot, Korat Royal Thai AB, Thailand (A-7 – 73 combat missions)
  • 3/1974-7/1978 185th Tactical Fighter Group, Air Force Advisor of the IAANG
  • 7/1978-2/1979 Chief of the Joint Operations Branch, Air Force Operations and Training Division, of the Military Assistance Advisory Group, Tehran, Iran
  • 2/1979-8/1/1981 17th Air Force, Chief of Current Operations with Headquarters at Sembach AB, West Germany
  • 8/1/1981 Retired USAF

Awards & Decorations

Air Force Cross
Air Force Cross
Silver Star
Silver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor Device, 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Bronze Star
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Purple Heart
Air Medal
Air Medal with 4 Silver Oak Leaf Clusters
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster
AF Outstanding Unit Award
AF Outstanding Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster
Combat Readiness Medal
Combat Readiness Medal
National Defense Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver/1 Bronze Star
Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long Tour
AF Overseas Ribbon – Long Tour
Air Force Longevity Service Award
AF Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters
Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR)
Small Arms Marksmanship Award
RVN Gallantry Cross With Palm
Vietnam Gallantry Award with Palm
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Flight Info

F-100
O-1 Bird Do
OV-10 Bronco
OH-6 Cayuse
Navy F-4J Phantom II
A-7

Military & Civilian Education

Military Education:

  • 1960 Air Force Officer Training School

Civilian Education:

  • 1958 BA/Marketing, the University of Washington
  • MBA (2)

Colin “Arnie” Clarke, LtCol USAF, Ret.,  “Headed West” on December 13, 2010. Here is a tribute by his friend, Mike Paradise.

Here is a tribute to my good friend, Arnie Clarke. We flew together many times and all my Intake cover photos (3) were taken by him.  Vietnam gunners could not get him but he was shot down by cancer in 2010. He had two ejections and received the Air Force Cross for the “Longest Mission” famous rescue of two Thud drivers. He would have received the Medal of Honor but for his naughty flyover after the mission. The “Sandy” rescue A-7D 970 is in the AF Museum along with his story.”

Arnie’s Obituary from The Wenatchee World…

“Colin “Arnie” Clarke died on December 13, 2010, under the loving care of his family and a wonderful Hospice team. He was born in Seattle in 1935 and spent early school years in Federal Way and Bothell. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1958, with a degree in Business. Later, Arnie obtained two Master’s degrees in Business. He joined the Navy Reserves in his college years, but eventually transferred to the Air Force to fly jet fighters and served four tours in Vietnam, eventually retiring as a Lt. Col.

He served as the Pangborn Airport Manager from 1982 until 2003. Arnie was committed to many service projects with Rotary, where he served as President and was a Paul Harris Fellow. The Miss Veedol project was important to him and he served as Chief Pilot and Chairman, taking part in the National Air Tour and in the Canadian Historical Society tour to commemorate Canada’s first flight across the Atlantic. Flying was also a very important part of his life and he served as President of the Experimental Aircraft Association in Wenatchee, and was a 29-year supporter and also a President of the Soaring Club.

A favorite project was serving as the principal pilot for William Layman, as they photographed the T.A. Weaver Rephotographic Project for the Wenatchee Valley Museum in his home-built Glasair, for the Atlas Narrative of the Columbia River. This was an aerial photo-mapping project to show the changes in the entire length of the Columbia River in the last 50 years.

He loved woodworking and built a house on Lake Wenatchee and remodeled several homes, but his last and perhaps favorite project (other than the airplane) was a three-story tree-house for his grandchildren. He was a lifetime runner, following in the path of several generations of family runners. The most memorable race was a 100k race in Switzerland, which he ran when he was 46, and the important thing for him was that he finished. He was an avid photographer. He spent several years building an airplane, which he loved to fly, and in which he loved to give rides to friends.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra Blain Clarke; daughters, Andriette Clarke Timblin and Alison (Kevin) Jenne; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by son, Arnold. Also surviving are three siblings, Bill Clarke, Larry Clarke and Molly Clarke Kenzler; and greatly loved are sister-in-law, Martha and husband, Ralph Lieser, who were at his beck and call during his final illness.

Arnie lived a full life, always challenging those around him to see the best in others and to reach for the best in themselves. We have been blessed by his life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place in Wenatchee at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was held on Monday, December 20, 2010, and is buried in Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. To remember Arnie, in lieu of flowers you can contribute to St. Joseph’s Catholic School; Wellness Place; or our local VFW, P.O. Box 7115, East Wenatchee, WA 98802, to be used for Veteran’s relief.

During his 385 combat missions in Southeast Asia, Clarke was shot down and rescued twice, first on August 18, 1964, and a second time while flying as a Misty FAC on January 22, 1969.

18 Aug 64:  First F-100 loss in SEA.  1/Lt C. A. Clarke ejected from F-100D 56-3085 hit by Pathet Lao AAA over Laos while supporting a downed T-28 crew. Rescued by Air America helicopter in Thailand.

22 Jan 69:  Second ejection for Arnie Clarke. He was Misty FAC 89  on a MISTY 51 mission with Misty FAC 88 John Grathwol when the J57 engine lost oil pressure and they were not able to make it to DaNang. Both safely ejected from F-100F 56 3886 and were quickly rescued by Jolly Green helo.

Arnie and the boys
Album Slideshow
Slideshow
Click To View

Wall of Honor Location

THE RESCUE OF BOBBIN 05 by Doug DeVlaming, LtCol USAF (Ret)

In October of 1972 the 354th TFW deployed with three squadrons of A-7D’s to Korat RTAFB.  I was a Captain in the 356th TFS at the time and told my wife that I would be home by Christmas as Henry Kissinger was in Paris saying that “Peace was at hand”.  That did not happen.

The A-7D Corsair II was a variant of the Navy’s A-7E and well suited to the fight in Southeast Asia.  It was subsonic but could carry four MK-84 2000-pound bombs from Korat to Hanoi, unrefueled, and run in at 480 knots.  The A-7D was tasked to fly deep interdiction to Hanoi (Linebacker II), Close Air Support & Interdiction in South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and Search and Air Rescue in all theaters.

When the Wing first arrived at Korat a call for volunteers to fly the Search & Air Rescue mission went out.  All pilots had previous combat tours but very few had experience flying the Search and Air Rescue mission.  The first to volunteer was Major Arnie Clarke.  Arnie was small in stature but a giant in all other aspects.  He was a fighter pilot’s fighter pilot, highly skilled at flying fighter aircraft, courageous, aggressive, and tenacious.  Arnie was born to lead men in combat.  He was my Flight Commander and I wanted to be just like him.

On November 16, 1972, an F-105 Wild Weasel, call sign Bobbin 05, took off from Korat on a mission to escort B-52’s on a night raid.  During the mission Bobbin 05 was downed by a surface-to-air missile, the crew ejecting and coming down 60 miles south of Hanoi, just southwest of Than Hoa, the second largest city in North Vietnam.  The two-man crew hunkered down and waited for rescue on the 17th.  It did not come until the 18th.

I flew on the 17th,, and because I was not scheduled to fly on the 18th, I went to Korat city to have dinner and unwind.  When I returned to my hooch around 2200 the lights were out and my two roommates were in bed.  As I entered the hooch, one of my roommates told me that the Wing was tasked to rescue the crew of Bobbin 05 the next day which would be the A-7D’s first mission in the Search and Air Rescue role.  My roommate told me that I was on the schedule but had to tell the scheduler that I was a volunteer as the mission was volunteers only.  I knocked on the scheduler’s hooch door and told him that I was volunteering.  He told me that I was on the schedule and to be at Fort Apache, our intelligence center, at 0200.  When I said, “0200?!!!”  He said, “do you want to go or not”, and I went to get a quick wink.

We took off at 0400 with tankers filling the sky and red and green wing lights everywhere.  The A-7D rescue force consisted of 8 smoke birds carrying four SUU-7’s loaded with CBU-12 smoke grenades, 4 flak suppression birds with MK 82’s and CBU 38, and Arnie as Sandy lead with his wingman.  I was one of the smoke birds.

When we got to the orbit point we could tell it was going to be a long day as the weather was a low undercast that blanketed the whole of North Vietnam.  The rescue helicopters could not get below the undercast.  They attempted by lowering their penetrators and descending into the clouds only to have the penetrator drag on the jungle canopy before they broke out below the clouds.  Arnie ruled out having the helicopters fly across North Vietnam and descending over the Gulf of Tonkin as the threat level was too high.  We waited as two helicopters ran low on fuel and had to withdraw.  Arnie ordered everyone back to the tankers as fuel was getting low for the entire A-7D rescue force.  The tankers had to move north into Laos and without their efforts, the mission would have failed.  Sitting on the tanker’s wing, waiting my turn to refuel over Laos with the Fuel Low Light staring me in the face, was just the start of what would turn out to be a very, very long day.

Arnie would not give up.  He had been shot down twice before, both times flying the F-100, and he knew what it was like being on the ground, in enemy territory, waiting for rescue.  Arnie decided to trust in the avionic systems incorporated in the A-7D.  The A-7D had a forward-looking radar, radar altimeter, and heads up and a projected map displays.  Using all of these systems Arnie found a valley and descended into it.  He broke out into the clear, finding enough room underneath to maneuver.  Arnie popped up and led the third helicopter down.  The smoke birds let down over the Gulf of Tonkin and joined up with the helicopter laying a smoke corridor to the Bobbin crew.

With the Bobbin crew safely on board the helicopter, Arnie limped into Da Nang with heavy battle damage.  His aircraft could not be repaired in theater and had to be flown back to the United States with the landing gear down.  The aircraft, A-7D tail number 970, is now displayed in the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.  For his efforts that day, Arnie was awarded the Air Force Cross.  As for me, I flew back to Korat after 8.7 long hours in the air.  After landing, most of the rescue force went to the Officer’s Club bar to celebrate, not me, I went to bed.

Postscript:  In 2006 I went to Vietnam with a Vietnamese friend and visited the location of the Bobbin 05 rescue.  It was late in the day and we got as close to the horseshoe-shaped ridge that the Bobbin crew landed on, as we could.  As we stood on a narrow bike path an older Vietnamese man on a bicycle came riding by.  My friend stopped him and spoke to him in Vietnamese.   During the conversation, the man became angry and stomped his foot which prompted my friend to laugh.  After the conversation ended I asked my friend why the man became angry.  He told me he asked the man if any bombs had fallen in the area during the war.  The man’s response was “no, but that two flyers had parachuted onto the ridge”, pointing to where the Bobbin crew was rescued.  He said that, “he and other villagers went looking for the flyers on the ridge”, and that is when he stomped his foot and said, ‘but a helicopter came and took them away.”

Douglas “Chuck” de Vlaming
Lt. Col. USAF (ret.)
Largo, FL

Douglas@deVlaming.com 

Our Mission

The mission of the Super Sabre Society is to preserve the history of the F-100 Super Sabre and the men who flew the aircraft.

Follow Us

Copyright © 2025 Super Sabre Society
Website by: Heart and Soul Web Design
Scroll to Top