UNITED STATES ARMY GARRISON YONGSAN -- Leader, mentor, and outstanding Marine. The Marines of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea wished “fair winds and following seas” to retiring deputy commander, Col. William P. Clark, here, March 15.
Maj. Gen. James W. Lukeman, assistant chief of staff of Plans and Policy for United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea, presented Clark a Legion of Merit for his outstanding service while at the command and thanked him for his faithful devotion to duty, which many Marines attested left a lasting mark on their professional abilities to lead Marines and accomplish the mission. Clark thanked the Marines of MARFORK for the award and stated he owes his success to the success of the Marines he worked with in the command every day.
“If you think you know it all, you will fail,” said Clark. “Never forget the people who helped you get to where you are; leaders just steer the ship.”
Marines like Master Sgt. Justin Harding, assistant operations chief for MARFORK, worked with Clark for the past two years and described several traits that left a lasting impact on him and his Marines.
“He is understanding, knowledgeable, loyal and willing to go out of his way to take care of his Marines,” said Harding, from Princeton, N.J.
The Marines of MARFORK affectionately labeled Clark with the call sign “Honey Badger Actual” – a clear appreciation for his straight-talking leadership style.
Clark left his Marines with one last piece of guidance as he starts his next journey in life.
“A successful career in the Marine Corps is more of an art than a science—a so-called ideal career path does not exist,” said Clark. “At the end of the day, bloom where you are planted and make the most out of each and every challenge the Marine Corps sends your way. Because ultimately, what matters most is how well you perform both in garrison and on the battlefield.”
Commissioned in August 1992 as a second lieutenant, Clark earned the infantry military occupational specialty upon graduation from the notoriously difficult Infantry Officers Course.
A rifle platoon commander, mortar platoon commander, and weapons company commander with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Clark deployed with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and supported Operation United Shield in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Clark has served as a series commander at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego; Headquarters and Service Company Commander for 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment; Rifle Company commander and Marine Security Element commander for U.S. Pacific Command’s Joint Task Force 510; and Ground Combat Element commander for Landing Force Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training aboard the USS Anchorage.
Clark also served in the Training and Education Command G3, Special Programs Branch; inspector instructor for Company B, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment; and as 1st Battalion operations officer in Fallujah, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Clark was additionally assigned as Marine Corps Forces Command G3 current operations officer, and inspector-instructor for 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. Clark then completed a tour as strategic planner, U.S. Strategic Command J5 Plans and Policy, and joint fires element chief for the J3 Global Operations before assuming his final billet as MARFORK deputy commander.
Clark graduated from the U.S. Army Infantry Officers Advanced Course and the U.S. Naval War College with a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star.