ARLINGTON, Va. - When David W. Clark enlisted in the Marine Corps with two of his high school football team buddies, Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, segregation was still a reality and the war in Vietnam was just under way.
"It's hard to believe that I am retiring when I feel like I am just hitting my stride," said Clark, a defense intelligence senior leader with the Office of the Secretary of Defense during his retirement speech in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.
Surrounded by family, friends and intelligence community colleagues, Clark was honored following 55 years of government service.
In addition to progression, Clark said one of the most prominent changes during his career was integration.
"When I joined the Army, we were segregated, but serving in the military we were integrated," he said. "How you conducted yourself ... depended on where in the world you were."
"Another big change was the integration of women into battle and the rapid assimilation of women into viable leadership positions in command, combat and infantry," he said.
After serving in the Marine Corps' 2nd Marine Division, Clark attended University of Nebraska (Omaha) earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army, serving in a myriad of assignments, including platoon leader, company executive officer and company commander in the Republic of Vietnam, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and South Korea. He also served at the Pentagon.
Clark retired from the Army in 1993 after 31 years of combined active service, then worked 24 years as a federal government employee. His federal jobs include a special advisory staff assignment for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, reconnaissance and sensitive operation issues.
Since it was established in March 2003, Clark has served in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Intelligence).
Clark's colleagues credited him for both his sense of humor and love of people, as well as his devotion to duty.
"The words I'd use to describe his 55-year career are love and loyalty," said Lt. Gen. Raymond P. Palumbo, director for Defense Intelligence (war fighter support). "It takes a special person to hang in there for all these years. It seems to me if you can take something and stick with it for 55 years, you've got to love it. To me, that's Dave Clark."
Palumbo thanked Clark for his service to his country. Clark was presented dozens of awards, certificates and accolades - marking more than a half century of service.
"You are an epitome of what a true patriot is and what every American should strive to be," Palumbo said.
"When I look back over my career, I have been blessed with outstanding leaders, peers and subordinates who have helped make this journey rewarding and fun. When you have good people around you, you can do anything," said Clark.
Clark attributed his successes to mentors and colleagues spanning his career, including his service through the Vietnam War. He thanked several Marine and Army leaders who helped him remain in service during and after the war.
Lastly, Clark thanked Gen. Tom Weinstein for talking him into staying in the Army rather than retiring to civilian life and working as a school teacher.
"He saved my career," said Clark.
As he was preparing for retirement, Clark said he was called a hero. He refuted the remark, saying, "I just tried to be a solid professional, do my job to the best of my ability, take care of people and treat them with dignity and respect."
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