THE WALL OF FACES

Terry was my fishing buddie and pal when I lived in Burgaw in the 1st,2nd,and 3rd grade. I never knew what happened to him, now he is my hero. I miss him.

Terry is buried at Wilmington Nat Cem.

I'm hoping I have found the right man. My uncle, Terry Clark, was killed in Vietnam. My father is Dave Clark. I never new my uncle but have always heard fine stories about the man. I will always respect him for what he did for our country. Thank you, Uncle Terry.

Photo from:
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead"
LIFE Magazine
Vol. 66, No. 25
June 27, 1969

My name is Marie Johnson, Terry Desmond Clark is my cousin. His mother and my father are siblings. I have lots of warm, wonderful memories of our childhood. We were very close to each other. For a number of years, we lived in the same subdivision and attended Sunset Junior High School in Wilmington, NC.

I remember one summer spending a lot of time standing together in a swing made of rope attached to a large limb in a pine tree. We would sing to the top of our voice and swing as high as it would go.

Terry was cited for action that occurred while he was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam.

While on a reconnaissance in force operation in the Hau Nghia Province at approximately 2:00 p.m., May 24, 1969, Terry noted that a forward element had tripped an enemy booby trap... a wire leading to a 55mm artillery shell.

He shouted a warning to his comrades and at the same time ran forward and knocked them down.

Terry was fatally wounded when the shell exploded, but his actions saved several lives and permitted the unit to continue its mission.

He was posthumously awarded his Army awards: Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal for meritorious services, Army Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart.

I was 8 months pregnant with my second child when Terry died. When I gave birth to a son July 15, 1969, I asked Terry's mom (Katherine Johnson Clark) about me naming my son in honor of my cousin. His mom gave me her blessings to do so. My son was named Terry.

As my son grew up, he was told of his namesake and showed the picture of Terry in the June 27, 1969 edition of Life's "The Faces of The American Dead in Vietnam One Week's Toll" published with Terry's and others who died in Vietnam.

I am GRATEFUL for all the men and women who gave their lives, their time from their family and friends, and ALL who were able to come home.

I appreciate the people who have worked to honor the dead and wounded. Thank you.