General Bruce Cooper Clarke

United States Army Europe

Commander in Chief

October 1960 – April 1962

Bruce Cooper Clarke was born on a farm in Adams, New York, on 29 April 1901. He was the son of Matthew John and Isola Veneta (Stevens) Clarke. He quit Adams High School in 1917 to enlist as a Private in the regular army during World War I. But this high school “drop-out,” ever mindful of the need for education, went back to high school after World War I ended, to continue his studies. He graduated from Masten Park High School, Buffalo, and went on to distinguish himself not only on the battlefield but also in the field of education.

Bruce Cooper Clarke graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1925 after entering on a National Guard appointment from his home state of New York.

He served with the Engineers until 1942. After a period as Chief of Staff, 4th Armored Division in November 1943, Colonel Clarke took over Combat Command A. In November 1944 he became Commander of Combat Command B, 7th Armored Division, and soon promoted to Brigadier General. During the Battle of the Bulge, the 7th Armored Division was shifted to the south. He took charge at Saint-Vith and coordinated a delaying action which helped to upset German advance and allowed the US defense to be established behind him.

Brigadier General Clarke established, and was the first Commandant of, what is now the Seventh Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Germany from 1949 to 1951. He established similar academies in CONARC and in the Korean Army.

After an outstanding record in Europe during World War II, General Clarke served as Commanding General, 2d Constabulary Brigade and the 1st Armored Division. He was Commanding General of I Corps in the Korean Conflict and of the Seventh Army in Germany; and later Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army, Europe.

General Clarke specialized in teaching, training, and commanding in the Army many years. He held Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, and a Bachelor of Law degrees. As Assistant Commandant of the Armor School, in CONARC, and later as CONARC Commander, he was closely associated with the Army school system.

His awards include three Bronze Stars, three Distinguished Service Medals, three Silver Stars, and an Air Medal.

General Clarke died 17 March 1988 and was buried with full military honors in Section 7-A (Grave 130) at Arlington National Cemetery. His wife, Bessie Mitchell Clarke, is buried with him.