THE WALL OF FACES

Clarence Orfield Tolbert

Clarence Tolbert graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1962. He was killed in action over North Vietnam on November 6, 1972. He was listed as Missing in Action until being declared dead on March 23, 1978. During this time, he was promoted to Captain. His remains were returned on November 3, 1988, and he was buried at the Troy Cemetery in Johnston County, Oklahoma.

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Division: U.S.S. Hancock (CVA-19)
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Clarence Orfield Tolbert (NSN: 0-659511/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 1 May 1966 as a pilot in Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-216), embarked in USS HANCOCK (CVA-19), during a strike against an enemy surface-to-air missile site in North Vietnam. Lieutenant Tolbert provided essential intelligence regarding the location of the missile site and its defenses, voluntarily piloted his aircraft as the strike leader's wingman and deliberately exposed himself to a missile firing in order to determine the exact location of the launching site. In the face of an intense barrage of medium antiaircraft fire, he made repeated bombing attacks on the site, inflicting heavy damage to several missile launchers. When his aircraft was severely crippled by two successive multiple-round antiaircraft bursts, Lieutenant Tolbert displayed unusual resourcefulness and exceptional airmanship in bringing the aircraft aboard ship to a safe landing using emergency manual flight controls. His courageous actions and outstanding performance in the face of intense enemy fire reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

Clarence Orfield Tolbert

Distinguished Flying Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Division: U.S.S. Hancock (CVA-19)
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Clarence Orfield Tolbert (NSN: 0-659511/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 7 July 1966 as a pilot in Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-216), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-19). While flying as wingman in the last division of aircraft, Lieutenant Tolbert demonstrated outstanding courage and determination in the face of heavy enemy opposition during a coordinated attack against the heavily-defended POL facility at Haiphong, North Vietnam. He executed a well-coordinated and perfectly timed attack through an intense barrage of enemy anti-aircraft fire, scoring several direct hits. His exceptional bombing accuracy under the most difficult and hazardous conditions was responsible for the destruction of a large pump house and extensive damage to several oil storage tanks, thus contributing significantly to the overall extraordinary success of this mission. Lieutenant Tolbert's heroic actions and exceptional airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander Clarence Orfield Tolbert, Served with Attack Squadron 56 (VA-56), Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5), USS Midway, Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.

I met Smokey when he was going through the A7 RAG at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, FL in 1971. I was a young JO at the time, and I found Smokey to be one who commanded respect by his mere presence. His military baring was inspiring, but at the same time his easy going manner made him a lot of fun to be around. Some of my best memories of Smokey was the times we shared at the BOQ where we were suite mate for a short period of time. He was easy to talk to and always willing to share his experiences and offer guidance. How he earned the nickname Smokey was another chapter!

I was in grade school in Tulsa in 1972. I received my POW/MIA bracelet with LCDR Tolbert's name. I believe he was engaged to our teacher at the time. I have kept his bracelet all these years and wore it today in his honor and in memory of all veterans.