Charles M. Clarke, 85, of Meriden, beloved husband of Betty Plog Clarke, passed away Monday, December 10, 2007, at the MidState Medical Center in Meriden.
Born in Mulberry, Florida, February 14, 1922, he was a son of the late John L. and Beatrice Spencer Clark and had been a resident of Texas for many years until moving to Meriden 10 years ago. Charles was a graduate of Lakeland High School and the University of Florida with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He held positions with Celanese Research and the GAF Corporation in Texas, during which time patents in polymers and graphite fibers were issued to him. He was a longtime member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
While residing in Lakeland, Charles helped organize the local Little League and served as the league treasurer. He also served on the Emergency Relief Board in Santa Fe, TX and delivered Meals on Wheels in Conroe, TX. During World War II he served as lead scout in the 33rd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron for the 20th Armored Division in Europe. He achieved the rank of Captain in the US Army Reserves and was a proud member of the Antique Veterans, World Post No 1, the Y's men and the Center Congregational Church, all of Meriden.
Besides his wife Betty, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and John Grzyszek of Meriden; his granddaughter, Heather Gamblin of Texas City, TX; his sister, Alice Trueblood of Lakeland, FL; and his brother, J. Richard Clarke of Sacramento, CA. He was predeceased by a daughter, Lori Hunter; three sisters, Delta Spires, Louise Clarke and Marie Clarke; and a brother, John Clarke
Memorial services with military honors will be held Friday, at 11 a.m. in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street, Ext., Wallingford. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the Antique Veterans, c/o Meriden Senior Center 22-26 West Main St., Meriden, CT 06451 or to Center Congregational Church, 474 Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450.
* *
"I was drafted into the Army in November 1942 and discharged in February 1946. During this period I had training in Field Artillery, Chemical Corps. Air Cadets and Mechanized Cavalry. My European combat experience was as a scout in the 33rd Cavalry with the 20th Armored Division. I operated in a jeep or an 8-ton armored car. One jeep had a 30-cal machine gun plus a 2-way radio while the other jeep carried a 60-mm mortar. The armored car had 30 and 50-cal machine guns, a 37-mm cannon, plus two 2-way radios.
Let me tell you about three of my combat experiences. On one occasion, my troop was ordered to quickly secure a section on the Rhine River. We traveled all night in complete blackout to move into position. I had three 30-cal machine gun nests set up on my section of the riverbank. I was ordered to prepare a patrol to reconnoiter across the river after dark. I knew that crossing the swift Rhine would not be easy in our inflatable boats. This small team was not large enough to fight. All that we could do was look and not be seen. The river crossing patrol was cancelled when the 101st Airborne relieved us in late afternoon. We pulled out under cover of darkness.
One day as my platoon was advancing on a road leading to a city, an Artillery Spotter Plane flew overhead with the pilot shouting to us. We could not hear what he was saying so he landed his light plane in a clear field alongside the road. He said that the next town was well defended. He would have the Artillery blast it if we stayed clear. About that time, P-51's sloped down spraying the town with 50-cal machine guns and dropping their bombs. Then the Task Force caught up with us. The Cavalry was ordered to bivouac in nearby woods while the Task Force took the town. We continued the advance the next morning, passing through the peaceful, occupied town.
Another time, my platoon was ordered to leave the Task Force and advance quickly through a forest to capture a bridge on the autobahn leading to Munich. Our mission was to capture this bridge before the Germans could destroy it. Headquarters was radioed that the bridge was blown up when we arrived. About that time, 4 Sherman tanks appeared led by a Lt. Col. in a jeep. He led a single tank to an overpass next to the destroyed bridge. Then the tank exploded into flames as it was hit by a panzerfaust fired from bushes across the river. I ordered my armored car gunner to spray the bushes with 30-cal machine gun fire. We then moved the armored car to a better location to cover the assistant tank driver who was blown out of his open tank hatch. The Lt. Col. jumped out of the jeep seeking ground cover while the jeep driver backed up to recover the injured tanker. The Task Force arrived with Medics. The injured tanker was brought alongside my armored car for cover. He was bandaged, given a shot of morphine and carried away. In mid July, we returned to the States for redeployment in Japan, but we only got as far as California."
"Chip" was born in Lakeland, FL. He married his wife Betty in 1944 and had two children, Lynn and Laurie. He enjoyed his career as a chemical engineer, working with companies such as Celanese. He spent much of his life in Texas, at one point residing in the same neighborhood as astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Alan Bean who became good friends.
Born in Mulberry, Florida, February 14, 1922, he was a son of the late John L. and Beatrice Spencer Clark and had been a resident of Texas for many years until moving to Meriden 10 years ago. Charles was a graduate of Lakeland High School and the University of Florida with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He held positions with Celanese Research and the GAF Corporation in Texas, during which time patents in polymers and graphite fibers were issued to him. He was a longtime member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
While residing in Lakeland, Charles helped organize the local Little League and served as the league treasurer. He also served on the Emergency Relief Board in Santa Fe, TX and delivered Meals on Wheels in Conroe, TX. During World War II he served as lead scout in the 33rd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron for the 20th Armored Division in Europe. He achieved the rank of Captain in the US Army Reserves and was a proud member of the Antique Veterans, World Post No 1, the Y's men and the Center Congregational Church, all of Meriden.
Besides his wife Betty, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and John Grzyszek of Meriden; his granddaughter, Heather Gamblin of Texas City, TX; his sister, Alice Trueblood of Lakeland, FL; and his brother, J. Richard Clarke of Sacramento, CA. He was predeceased by a daughter, Lori Hunter; three sisters, Delta Spires, Louise Clarke and Marie Clarke; and a brother, John Clarke
Memorial services with military honors will be held Friday, at 11 a.m. in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street, Ext., Wallingford. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the Antique Veterans, c/o Meriden Senior Center 22-26 West Main St., Meriden, CT 06451 or to Center Congregational Church, 474 Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450.
* *
"I was drafted into the Army in November 1942 and discharged in February 1946. During this period I had training in Field Artillery, Chemical Corps. Air Cadets and Mechanized Cavalry. My European combat experience was as a scout in the 33rd Cavalry with the 20th Armored Division. I operated in a jeep or an 8-ton armored car. One jeep had a 30-cal machine gun plus a 2-way radio while the other jeep carried a 60-mm mortar. The armored car had 30 and 50-cal machine guns, a 37-mm cannon, plus two 2-way radios.
Let me tell you about three of my combat experiences. On one occasion, my troop was ordered to quickly secure a section on the Rhine River. We traveled all night in complete blackout to move into position. I had three 30-cal machine gun nests set up on my section of the riverbank. I was ordered to prepare a patrol to reconnoiter across the river after dark. I knew that crossing the swift Rhine would not be easy in our inflatable boats. This small team was not large enough to fight. All that we could do was look and not be seen. The river crossing patrol was cancelled when the 101st Airborne relieved us in late afternoon. We pulled out under cover of darkness.
One day as my platoon was advancing on a road leading to a city, an Artillery Spotter Plane flew overhead with the pilot shouting to us. We could not hear what he was saying so he landed his light plane in a clear field alongside the road. He said that the next town was well defended. He would have the Artillery blast it if we stayed clear. About that time, P-51's sloped down spraying the town with 50-cal machine guns and dropping their bombs. Then the Task Force caught up with us. The Cavalry was ordered to bivouac in nearby woods while the Task Force took the town. We continued the advance the next morning, passing through the peaceful, occupied town.
Another time, my platoon was ordered to leave the Task Force and advance quickly through a forest to capture a bridge on the autobahn leading to Munich. Our mission was to capture this bridge before the Germans could destroy it. Headquarters was radioed that the bridge was blown up when we arrived. About that time, 4 Sherman tanks appeared led by a Lt. Col. in a jeep. He led a single tank to an overpass next to the destroyed bridge. Then the tank exploded into flames as it was hit by a panzerfaust fired from bushes across the river. I ordered my armored car gunner to spray the bushes with 30-cal machine gun fire. We then moved the armored car to a better location to cover the assistant tank driver who was blown out of his open tank hatch. The Lt. Col. jumped out of the jeep seeking ground cover while the jeep driver backed up to recover the injured tanker. The Task Force arrived with Medics. The injured tanker was brought alongside my armored car for cover. He was bandaged, given a shot of morphine and carried away. In mid July, we returned to the States for redeployment in Japan, but we only got as far as California."
"Chip" was born in Lakeland, FL. He married his wife Betty in 1944 and had two children, Lynn and Laurie. He enjoyed his career as a chemical engineer, working with companies such as Celanese. He spent much of his life in Texas, at one point residing in the same neighborhood as astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Alan Bean who became good friends.
Charles M. Clarke, 85, of Meriden, beloved husband of Betty Plog Clarke, passed away Monday, December 10, 2007, at the MidState Medical Center in Meriden.
Born in Mulberry, Florida, February 14, 1922, he was a son of the late John L. and Beatrice Spencer Clark and had been a resident of Texas for many years until moving to Meriden 10 years ago. Charles was a graduate of Lakeland High School and the University of Florida with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He held positions with Celanese Research and the GAF Corporation in Texas, during which time patents in polymers and graphite fibers were issued to him. He was a longtime member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
While residing in Lakeland, Charles helped organize the local Little League and served as the league treasurer. He also served on the Emergency Relief Board in Santa Fe, TX and delivered Meals on Wheels in Conroe, TX. During World War II he served as lead scout in the 33rd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron for the 20th Armored Division in Europe. He achieved the rank of Captain in the US Army Reserves and was a proud member of the Antique Veterans, World Post No 1, the Y's men and the Center Congregational Church, all of Meriden.
Besides his wife Betty, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and John Grzyszek of Meriden; his granddaughter, Heather Gamblin of Texas City, TX; his sister, Alice Trueblood of Lakeland, FL; and his brother, J. Richard Clarke of Sacramento, CA. He was predeceased by a daughter, Lori Hunter; three sisters, Delta Spires, Louise Clarke and Marie Clarke; and a brother, John Clarke
Memorial services with military honors will be held Friday, at 11 a.m. in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street, Ext., Wallingford. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the Antique Veterans, c/o Meriden Senior Center 22-26 West Main St., Meriden, CT 06451 or to Center Congregational Church, 474 Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450.
* *
"I was drafted into the Army in November 1942 and discharged in February 1946. During this period I had training in Field Artillery, Chemical Corps. Air Cadets and Mechanized Cavalry. My European combat experience was as a scout in the 33rd Cavalry with the 20th Armored Division. I operated in a jeep or an 8-ton armored car. One jeep had a 30-cal machine gun plus a 2-way radio while the other jeep carried a 60-mm mortar. The armored car had 30 and 50-cal machine guns, a 37-mm cannon, plus two 2-way radios.
Let me tell you about three of my combat experiences. On one occasion, my troop was ordered to quickly secure a section on the Rhine River. We traveled all night in complete blackout to move into position. I had three 30-cal machine gun nests set up on my section of the riverbank. I was ordered to prepare a patrol to reconnoiter across the river after dark. I knew that crossing the swift Rhine would not be easy in our inflatable boats. This small team was not large enough to fight. All that we could do was look and not be seen. The river crossing patrol was cancelled when the 101st Airborne relieved us in late afternoon. We pulled out under cover of darkness.
One day as my platoon was advancing on a road leading to a city, an Artillery Spotter Plane flew overhead with the pilot shouting to us. We could not hear what he was saying so he landed his light plane in a clear field alongside the road. He said that the next town was well defended. He would have the Artillery blast it if we stayed clear. About that time, P-51's sloped down spraying the town with 50-cal machine guns and dropping their bombs. Then the Task Force caught up with us. The Cavalry was ordered to bivouac in nearby woods while the Task Force took the town. We continued the advance the next morning, passing through the peaceful, occupied town.
Another time, my platoon was ordered to leave the Task Force and advance quickly through a forest to capture a bridge on the autobahn leading to Munich. Our mission was to capture this bridge before the Germans could destroy it. Headquarters was radioed that the bridge was blown up when we arrived. About that time, 4 Sherman tanks appeared led by a Lt. Col. in a jeep. He led a single tank to an overpass next to the destroyed bridge. Then the tank exploded into flames as it was hit by a panzerfaust fired from bushes across the river. I ordered my armored car gunner to spray the bushes with 30-cal machine gun fire. We then moved the armored car to a better location to cover the assistant tank driver who was blown out of his open tank hatch. The Lt. Col. jumped out of the jeep seeking ground cover while the jeep driver backed up to recover the injured tanker. The Task Force arrived with Medics. The injured tanker was brought alongside my armored car for cover. He was bandaged, given a shot of morphine and carried away. In mid July, we returned to the States for redeployment in Japan, but we only got as far as California."
"Chip" was born in Lakeland, FL. He married his wife Betty in 1944 and had two children, Lynn and Laurie. He enjoyed his career as a chemical engineer, working with companies such as Celanese. He spent much of his life in Texas, at one point residing in the same neighborhood as astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Alan Bean who became good friends.
Born in Mulberry, Florida, February 14, 1922, he was a son of the late John L. and Beatrice Spencer Clark and had been a resident of Texas for many years until moving to Meriden 10 years ago. Charles was a graduate of Lakeland High School and the University of Florida with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He held positions with Celanese Research and the GAF Corporation in Texas, during which time patents in polymers and graphite fibers were issued to him. He was a longtime member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
While residing in Lakeland, Charles helped organize the local Little League and served as the league treasurer. He also served on the Emergency Relief Board in Santa Fe, TX and delivered Meals on Wheels in Conroe, TX. During World War II he served as lead scout in the 33rd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron for the 20th Armored Division in Europe. He achieved the rank of Captain in the US Army Reserves and was a proud member of the Antique Veterans, World Post No 1, the Y's men and the Center Congregational Church, all of Meriden.
Besides his wife Betty, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and John Grzyszek of Meriden; his granddaughter, Heather Gamblin of Texas City, TX; his sister, Alice Trueblood of Lakeland, FL; and his brother, J. Richard Clarke of Sacramento, CA. He was predeceased by a daughter, Lori Hunter; three sisters, Delta Spires, Louise Clarke and Marie Clarke; and a brother, John Clarke
Memorial services with military honors will be held Friday, at 11 a.m. in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street, Ext., Wallingford. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the Antique Veterans, c/o Meriden Senior Center 22-26 West Main St., Meriden, CT 06451 or to Center Congregational Church, 474 Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450.
* *
"I was drafted into the Army in November 1942 and discharged in February 1946. During this period I had training in Field Artillery, Chemical Corps. Air Cadets and Mechanized Cavalry. My European combat experience was as a scout in the 33rd Cavalry with the 20th Armored Division. I operated in a jeep or an 8-ton armored car. One jeep had a 30-cal machine gun plus a 2-way radio while the other jeep carried a 60-mm mortar. The armored car had 30 and 50-cal machine guns, a 37-mm cannon, plus two 2-way radios.
Let me tell you about three of my combat experiences. On one occasion, my troop was ordered to quickly secure a section on the Rhine River. We traveled all night in complete blackout to move into position. I had three 30-cal machine gun nests set up on my section of the riverbank. I was ordered to prepare a patrol to reconnoiter across the river after dark. I knew that crossing the swift Rhine would not be easy in our inflatable boats. This small team was not large enough to fight. All that we could do was look and not be seen. The river crossing patrol was cancelled when the 101st Airborne relieved us in late afternoon. We pulled out under cover of darkness.
One day as my platoon was advancing on a road leading to a city, an Artillery Spotter Plane flew overhead with the pilot shouting to us. We could not hear what he was saying so he landed his light plane in a clear field alongside the road. He said that the next town was well defended. He would have the Artillery blast it if we stayed clear. About that time, P-51's sloped down spraying the town with 50-cal machine guns and dropping their bombs. Then the Task Force caught up with us. The Cavalry was ordered to bivouac in nearby woods while the Task Force took the town. We continued the advance the next morning, passing through the peaceful, occupied town.
Another time, my platoon was ordered to leave the Task Force and advance quickly through a forest to capture a bridge on the autobahn leading to Munich. Our mission was to capture this bridge before the Germans could destroy it. Headquarters was radioed that the bridge was blown up when we arrived. About that time, 4 Sherman tanks appeared led by a Lt. Col. in a jeep. He led a single tank to an overpass next to the destroyed bridge. Then the tank exploded into flames as it was hit by a panzerfaust fired from bushes across the river. I ordered my armored car gunner to spray the bushes with 30-cal machine gun fire. We then moved the armored car to a better location to cover the assistant tank driver who was blown out of his open tank hatch. The Lt. Col. jumped out of the jeep seeking ground cover while the jeep driver backed up to recover the injured tanker. The Task Force arrived with Medics. The injured tanker was brought alongside my armored car for cover. He was bandaged, given a shot of morphine and carried away. In mid July, we returned to the States for redeployment in Japan, but we only got as far as California."
"Chip" was born in Lakeland, FL. He married his wife Betty in 1944 and had two children, Lynn and Laurie. He enjoyed his career as a chemical engineer, working with companies such as Celanese. He spent much of his life in Texas, at one point residing in the same neighborhood as astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Alan Bean who became good friends.
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