Soldier Honored: Michael J. Clark

Gunnery Sergeant Michael J. Clark was born in Daytona Beach, Florida on July 25, 1974.  He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in April, 1993, after graduating from Leesburg High School. Clark attended Aviation Ordnanceman training in Millington, Tennessee, and then received orders to Explosive Ordnance Disposal School at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, where he graduated with honors. During his off duty time, Gunnery Sergeant Clark attended courses at Military Academy West Point, completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.  An 11-year Marine Corps veteran, Gunnery Sergeant Clark, age 29, returned to Iraq in February 2004 as an EOD Team Leader assigned to Combat Service Support Battalion-1 Fallujah, Iraq.  It was his second tour to Iraq.  He was killed on July 20^th, 2004, in the Anbar province, when he approached a suspicious vehicle and it detonated.

As a young man, Clark liked playing sports and loved playing pool, according to his mother.  He also liked helping take care of his brothers and sisters.

Gunnery Sergeant Clark is survived by his wife and two daughters, both of which are Folds of Honor scholarship recipients.