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!