For our first WHAT of the year we went off course a bit. It’s not a building, but it is most definitely a landmark. And it’s definitely historic. We stopped over for a quick visit near Wausau’s Downtown Airport at Alexander Airport Park. It’s hard to miss the jet sitting there – even with a low ceiling like today.
This jet was placed at Wausau’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) on River Drive to honor the pilot that flew it during the Vietnam War, Air Force Lt. Col. Colin Arnold “Arnie” Clarke (1935-2010). It was moved to its current location in 2018 after the park was fully renovated to include an aviation theme.
First let’s take a look at the aircraft, which is an A-7 Corsair II designed and manufactured by Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV) and used by the U.S. Military from 1967-1993 (which includes all models of this type). It had a full range of nicknames based on its overall design including Fruitfly, Harley, The Gator, the Navy’s Bomb Tuck, and SLUF (Short, Low, Ugly Fellow).
By the numbers this jet is just over 46 feet long with a wingspan of almost 39 feet, weighs 19,127 pounds when empty, can hit a speed of 690 MPH, and reach an altitude of 42,000 feet. Powering this aircraft is an Allison TF41-A-2 engine, which was noted for its reliability in combat. And it holds one person.
Its duties included not only attack, but also other mission critical tasks such as reconnaissance, refueling, and search missions.
Now, let’s take a look at the man who flew the aircraft, Arnold Clark. He started his military career in the Navy, and moved to the Air Force in order to become a pilot. His storied career includes a total of 385 missions flown in Southeast Asia, including being shot down and rescued twice. He received many awards and citations for his service, including Air Force Cross (see citation at the bottom of this post); Silver Star; Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor Device, 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Bronze Star; and the Purple Heart.
After retiring from the Air Force, Clarke remained involved with aviation, becoming the manager of the Pangborn Memorial Airport in East Wenatchee, Washington.
Although his Corsair is here in Wausau, he has no apparent connection to the area… or so I thought until researching further and finding Downtown Wausau Airport Manager John Chmiel’s Spring 2024 article in “Forward In Flight”. Chmiel explains that Clarke built a replica of the historic plane Miss Veedol (you can Google that history- its cool) to honor the history of the Pangborn Memorial Airport. In 2003 Clarke flew that plane as part of the National Air Tour… which visited Wausau that year! Even being that close Chmiel and Clarke did not meet, and it is not clear if Clarke knew his plane was just down the road!
There are two plaques at the park that you should be sure to stop and read when the weather is better. And maybe take a quick jog down the runway inspired paths.
Air Force Cross citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Section 8742, Title 10, United States Code, awards the Air Force Cross to Major Colin A. Clarke for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as On-Scene Commander for search and rescue operations over North Vietnam on 18 November 1972. On that date, Major Clarke directed an extremely complex mission that resulted in the successful recovery of two downed airmen despite adverse weather, mountainous terrain, and intense hostile ground fire. Disregarding these hazards, his own safety, and battle damage to his aircraft, he personally guided the rescue helicopter to the survivors’ location, suppressed hostile defenses, and continued to direct rescue efforts even though he sustained additional damage to his aircraft. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Major Clarke reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force
