Beaufort’s John Clark, 79, joined the United States Marine Corps in Youngstown, Ohio in 1960. After Boot camp at Parris Island and Infantry training he trained in Aviation Supply and was assigned to MCAS Beaufort. During that tour, he deployed aboard USS Geiger (TAP-3) for Almeria, Spain and Operation STEEL PIKE 1. While there, his unit, working with Navy Seabees, erected and operated a Short Airfield Tactical Support (STAP) runway. STEEL PIKE 1 was the largest peacetime amphibious landing exercise in history, involving 84 naval ships and 28,000 Marines of the 2nd Marine Division. It prepared the Navy and Marine Corps for similar operations in Vietnam. While stationed at MCAS Beaufort, he and his wife had two children at Naval Hospital Beaufort. He left active duty in 1964 and returned to Ohio and a 34-year career with U.S. Steel. He moved back to Beaufort in 1998 and has volunteered at the PI Museum.
Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 9. For nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
