On Tuesday Jan. 17, WWII veteran Carl Clark was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with the Combat Distinguished Device for his actions aboard the USS Aaron Ward nearly 66 years ago.
Clark is credited for saving his ship from sinking by fighting a fire near an ammunition locker after it was struck by six kamikaze planes. Despite being injured, he also aided wounded sailors. Racial prejudice denied his actions from being recognized at the time.
Clark’s story was first brought to light through a community writing class “Wartime Stories,” taught by Foothill instructor Sheila Dunec. Over the past decade, Dunec spearheaded an effort to recognize Clark which eventually garnered national attention.
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