An American Pilot — Three Journals

An American pilot Lieut. clark came up here today to see us. We were so glad to see him + have him with us. His stories were plenty exciting. He crashed up near Ichang + walked 4 days in Jap territory + finally got here. He telephoned for a plane to get him but the wheather was bad so he stayed to lunch. Clary + Doc left with him + spent the afternoon + evening in the city. He was a swell chap, so friendly and handsome too. Fun to have company. - Annette, June 1943

This has always been one of my favorite posts in Annette's diary. During all the bombings and air raids, they finally got to meet one of the American pilots. It looks like he crashed in Yichang, which is about 240km from Enshi. That is certainly a long walk through enemy territory!

I have always been fascinated by this encounter. I've always wanted to know more about Lieutenant Clark. Who was he? What was his story? What was the war like for him? Finally, after years of wondering, I started digging.

At first, I thought Lieutenant Clark might be a member of the Flying Tigers, a group of American pilots who volunteered for the Chinese Air Force (linked here). But the Flying Tigers were in China from 1941-1942, and this entry is from June 1943. Knowing the date is helpful, and it looks like a number of the Flying Tigers continued on in their service as member of other fighter groups and squadrons. Maybe Lieutenant Clark was originally a Flying Tiger? My endless combinations of 'Clark' 'pilot' 'China' etc. were not turning up any specifics. If only he had a more unusual name!! Still, I kept searching.

I found a great article from the US Embassy and Consulates in China (linked here) about the China Air Task Force and 14th Air Force Unit. As I scrolled through over a dozen photos of soldiers, Chinese citizens, and planes, I noticed a few other 'numbers' - the 23rd Fighter Group, 16th Weapons Squadron, 74th Fighter Squadron. Finally, some numbers! Side note: I love that these groups were based out of Moody Air Force base, not too far from Atlanta. It looks like these groups were part of The Hump, a group of Allied pilots who flew military supplies over the Himalayas to support the Chinese and American Air Forces (linked here). From the map, it looks like those could be the mountains that Annette always talked about. Getting closer!

With the numbers in hand, I was able to find 1st Lieutenant Thomas J. Clark, member of the 74th Fighter Squadron. Could this be the American pilot who visited my grandmother?