Archie J. Clapp – Colonel, United States Marine Corps

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Archie J. Clapp, 80, died May 15, 2004, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Colonel Clapp served as a carrier-based fighter pilot during World War II.

He trained as one of the earliest Marine jet fighter pilots and flew helicopters during the Korean War.

Colonel Clapp commanded HMM-362, the first Marine helicopter squadron in Vietnam, a group known as “Archie's Angels.”

Besides receiving unit commendations and campaign medals for his service in three wars, he was individually awarded the Legion of Merit twice, the Distinguished Flying Cross three times and nine Air Medals. Clapp was recently inducted into “The Golden Eagles” of The Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators Association.

Following his retirement from the military, his civilian career included twenty-three years as CEO of the Wholesale Florists and Florist Suppliers of America  (WF&FSA).

Colonel Clapp is survived by wife Shirley B. Clapp; sister Mary Harvey of Miami, Florida; four children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild by his previous marriage; two step-daughters; predeceased by two children from his previous marriage.

A memorial service was held in Virginia Beach, and interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be at 11 a.m., July 14, 2004.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program or the Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteer Rescue Squad in Virginia Beach, Virginia.


CLAPP, ARCHIE J
COL   US MARINE CORPS
VETERAN SERVICE DATES: 08/01/1943 – 08/01/1969
DATE OF BIRTH: 08/30/1923
DATE OF DEATH: 05/15/2004
DATE OF INTERMENT: 07/14/2004
BURIED AT: SECTION 66  SITE 3037
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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