On the recordOctober 13, 2011
The motto inscribed on the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action flag reads, ``You are not forgotten.'' I rise today to Honor Major Thomas E. Clark, a U.S. soldier who served in Vietnam, an airman who gave his life defending this country. Originally from Emporium, Pennsylvania, Major Clark studied at Penn State before being accepted into the Air Force Academy and graduating in 1963. In 1969, while flying an F-100 in a mission over Laos, Major Clark's aircraft was hit by enemy fire. The plane went crashing into the jungle canopy. The wreckage was not found and Major Clark went missing in action for 4 years when, in 1973, the Air Force determined Clark was ``killed in action; body not recovered.'' In 1991, some of the wreckage of the F-100 was found. Finally, in 2009, an investigation found the remains of Major Clark. Next week, the Air Force will bring home Major Clark to Emporium, Pennsylvania, to have him properly laid to rest in his family's plot. I'm truly proud and honored to recognize his bravery and thank him for making the ultimate sacrifice for this country. He will not be forgotten. Major Clark, may you rest in peace. ____________________
