Clarence Dart facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Clarence W. Dart, Sr.
Clarence Dart
Born	(1920-12-06)6 December 1920 Elmira, New York
Died	17 February 2012(2012-02-17) (aged 91) Saratoga Springs, New York
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force
Years of service	1943–?
Rank	Captain Lieutenant Colonel (post war)
Unit	12th Air Force (45 missions) 15th Air Force (50 missions) New York Air National Guard
Battles/wars	World War II
Awards	Air Medal Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Tuskegee Airmen Distinguished Flying Cross Purple Heart

Clarence W. Dart, Sr. (born December 6, 1920 – died February 17, 2012) was a brave fighter pilot during World War II. He was a special member of a famous group called the Tuskegee Airmen. These were the first African-American military pilots in the U.S. armed forces. Clarence Dart was shot down twice during the war. Because of his bravery and injuries, he received two Purple Heart medals. He also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his amazing flying skills.

A Hero Pilot in World War II

P-51 aircraft with red markings, like those flown by the Tuskegee Airmen.

Clarence Dart flew an incredible 95 missions as a pilot. A mission is a dangerous flight to complete a specific task, like protecting bombers or attacking enemy targets. During these missions, his plane was hit and he was shot down two times. Each time he was injured, he earned a Purple Heart medal. This medal is given to soldiers who are wounded or killed while serving their country.

After the war, Clarence Dart continued to serve. He later became a Lieutenant Colonel. He also spent many years helping his community. He was a long-time member of The Salvation Army's advisory board in Saratoga Springs, New York. He started helping them in 1963.

Awards and Honors

Clarence Dart received many important awards for his service and bravery. These awards show how much he contributed to his country.

• Air Medal: This award is for single acts of heroism or for flying many missions.
• American Defense Service Medal: Given to those who served before the U.S. entered World War II.
• Congressional Gold Medal: This is one of the highest civilian awards in the United States. It was given to all the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006. It recognized their courage and achievements.
• Distinguished Flying Cross with four Oak Leaf Clusters: This medal is for amazing acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement while flying. The four oak leaf clusters mean he earned the award five times!
• National Defense Service Medal: Awarded for serving during times of national emergency.
• Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster: This medal is for being wounded in battle. The oak leaf cluster means he received it twice.
• World War II Victory Medal: Given to all who served in the military during World War II.