Vietnam vet, author, to speak at VFW

Vietnam veteran, author and veterans advocate Allen Clark will speak at VFW Post 7392 on Sunday, July 10.

Vietnam veteran, author and veterans advocate Allen Clark will speak at VFW Post 7392 on Sunday, July 10.

A 1963 West Point graduate, Clark served in Vietnam as a Military Intelligence Officer involved in undercover intelligence operations against Cambodia assigned to the Fifth Special Forces Group (the Green Berets). On June 17, 1967, he was severely wounded in a mortar attack at Dak To Special Forces camp in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam and required 15 months of hospitalization for treatment after amputation of both his legs below his knees. He was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action, a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Air Medal and Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

From 1979-1981 he served as Special Assistant to Texas Governor Bill Clements.

After nomination by President George H.W. Bush, he was confirmed twice by the United States Senate, once as the Assistant Secretary for Veterans Liaison and Program Coordination and then as Director of the National Cemetery System of the Department of Veterans Affairs. He retired in 2005 as the Public Affairs Officer of the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System.

His autobiography, “Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior,” details his service in Vietnam, his battle to adjust to life after losing both of his legs, and his struggle with religion.

Clark will speak at 3 and 5 p.m. The VFW Post is located at 3037 Goldie Road. Call 675-4048.