When The Anti-Aircraft Hit You

Clary stayed with Clark last nite + I was worried to death, spent one awful nite.  Wheather still bad so Clark was here again for lunch + for supper.  Elsie + I planned some nice meals I think.  We talked all afternoon + heard some more of the air force + planes + flying.  This is the 2nd time he has cracked up + told us how they strafe buildings + how it feels when the anti-aircraft hit you. 

Clark left this afternoon, plane almost hit our chimney giving us a goodbye "sweep."  

- Annette, June 1943

Annette was worried when Clary didn't return home that night, but Clary had been so eager to meet the American pilots that I'm sure he loved staying out all night and hearing war stories!  I wonder what meals they served their new American friend.  As excited as they were to spend time with him, I would guess he was just as grateful, after having crashed in enemy territory and walked 4 days through dangerous terrain.  This entry is such a nice image of young people staying up and sharing stories about their lives.  And I love that he buzzed their house when he said goodbye.  I wonder what happened to him.

I found an obituary for Thomas J. Clark, an Army veteran who was stationed in Hawaii in 1943 before heading to Europe in 1944.  Probably not our guy.

I also found an obituary for Thomas J. Clark who entered the Navy in 1944.  Also not our guy.

In 1952, the University of Richmond's Air Force ROTC had a Professor named Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Clark (document here).  Name - check.  Rank - check.  Air Force - check.  Dates - check.  Is this the handsome young Clark who spent time with my grandparents??  I'm going to keep poking around to see what I can find!

An American Pilot

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?

Think This Will Be A Dangerous Place

Clary met one of the Americans here + found out today Mr. Chen is working for him translating maps + plans.  All the bombing is being 'kwaned' from Enshih now.  Think this will be a dangerous place.  Simon + the babies leave tomorrow.  That's going to be some job - I sure feel sorry for her.  We're off in another 2-3 days I guess.  Wish the Americans would come up + pay us a visit.  - Annette, May 1943

Around this time, more and more American pilots stopped to refuel near Enshih.  Clary was in the city often, so he got to meet a few of them and learn a bit about the situation.  Mr. Chen, I believe, was working with Annette on her Chinese, and she was teaching him English.  Apparently, his side hustle was helping the US Armed Forces!  I wonder what secrets and clues he learned. 

I'm not exactly sure what she meant by 'kwan' - possibly kuan, 寬, translated as 'wide' or 'extend.'  It sounds like the bombing was coming closer, so maybe she was describing the explosions as 'extended from Enshih.'   Things were definitely getting dangerous.  Miss Simon left with the orphans - still no mention of how many, but what a handful!  Every day was uncertain, but they were going to protect the children, no matter the cost.

Despite all the danger, Annette wanted more than anything to meet the American pilots.  She would get her chance soon....stay tuned!