Mark W. Clark
Actor
About Mark W. Clark
General Mark Wayne Clark was a distinguished United States Army officer who served during World War II and the Korean War, best known in cinema for his appearance in John Huston's controversial documentary 'The Battle of San Pietro' (1945). Born in 1896, Clark graduated from West Point and rose through the military ranks to become one of the youngest major generals in American history. He commanded the Fifth Army during the Italian campaign, where the Battle of San Pietro took place, making him a central figure in Huston's documentary that showed the brutal reality of warfare. After World War II, Clark served as the U.S. High Commissioner in Austria and later as president of The Citadel military college. His military career spanned over four decades, and he was highly decorated for his service, though some of his tactical decisions remain subjects of historical debate. His appearance in the documentary was not as an actor but as the commanding general of the forces depicted in the film.
The Craft
On Screen
Not applicable - appeared as himself in documentary footage
Milestones
- Graduated from West Point (1917)
- Became youngest major general in U.S. Army (1942)
- Commanded Fifth Army in Italian Campaign (1943-1945)
- Subject of 'The Battle of San Pietro' documentary (1945)
- Served as U.S. High Commissioner in Austria (1945-1947)
- President of The Citadel (1954-1966)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Distinguished Service Medal (2 awards)
- Silver Star
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star
- Purple Heart
- World War I Victory Medal
- American Defense Service Medal
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
- Army of Occupation Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Korean Service Medal
- United Nations Service Medal
Special Recognition
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire
- Legion of Honour (France)
- Order of the Crown (Belgium)
- Order of Suvorov (Soviet Union)
- Order of the Southern Cross (Brazil)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
General Clark's appearance in 'The Battle of San Pietro' contributed to one of the most controversial and influential war documentaries ever made. The film, which initially faced suppression by the U.S. Army due to its graphic content, eventually helped shape public understanding of the brutal reality of warfare. Clark's presence as the commanding general lent authenticity to the documentary, bridging the gap between military leadership and civilian understanding of war. The film's eventual release marked a turning point in how war was depicted in cinema, influencing future generations of documentary filmmakers.
Lasting Legacy
General Mark W. Clark's legacy in cinema is inextricably linked to his role in 'The Battle of San Pietro,' which stands as a landmark in documentary filmmaking. While primarily remembered as a military commander, his participation in this groundbreaking film helped create a new standard for war documentaries, emphasizing authenticity over propaganda. The film remains in the National Film Registry for its cultural significance. In military history, Clark is remembered for his rapid rise through the ranks and his controversial decisions during the Italian campaign, particularly at the Battle of Monte Cassino.
Who They Inspired
Through his involvement in 'The Battle of San Pietro,' Clark indirectly influenced documentary filmmaking by allowing unprecedented access to actual combat footage and military operations. The film's realistic portrayal of warfare set a new standard that would influence future war documentaries and combat photography. His willingness to participate in the project, despite initial military objections, demonstrated the potential for cinema to serve as both historical record and social commentary.
Off Screen
General Clark married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Maurine Doran in 1924, which lasted until her death in 1966. They had two children together, a son and a daughter. In 1967, he married Mary Dean, who survived him. Clark was known for his military bearing and dedication to service, maintaining a strict discipline throughout his career. After retiring from the military, he remained active in educational and veterans' affairs.
Education
United States Military Academy at West Point (Class of 1917)
Family
- Maurine Doran (1924-1966)
- Mary Dean (1967-1984)
Did You Know?
- Was the youngest major general in the U.S. Army at age 46
- His nickname was 'Contraband' because he was smuggled into West Point after being initially rejected for medical reasons
- The Battle of San Pietro was one of the first documentaries to show dead American soldiers on film
- John Huston's documentary about the battle Clark commanded was initially banned by the War Department
- Clark's Fifth Army was the first American army to fight on European soil in WWII
- He was present at the German surrender in Italy in 1945
- After his military career, he served as president of The Citadel for 12 years
- The Battle of San Pietro cost over 1,100 American casualties
- Clark was criticized by some historians for the high casualties during the Italian campaign
- The documentary featuring Clark was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1991
In Their Own Words
War is a simple matter of finding the enemy and killing him
The soldier's heart, the soldier's spirit, the soldier's soul are everything
I would rather have a German division in front of me than a French one behind me
In war, truth is the first casualty
The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mark W. Clark?
Mark Wayne Clark was a prominent U.S. Army general during World War II and the Korean War, best known in cinema for appearing as himself in John Huston's documentary 'The Battle of San Pietro' (1945). He commanded the Fifth Army during the Italian campaign and was one of America's youngest major generals.
What films is Mark W. Clark best known for?
Mark W. Clark is known for his appearance in 'The Battle of San Pietro' (1945), where he appeared as himself as the commanding general of the forces during the battle. This was not a fictional role but documentary footage of the actual military commander.
When was Mark W. Clark born and when did he die?
Mark W. Clark was born on May 1, 1896, at Madison Barracks in Sackets Harbor, New York, and died on April 17, 1984, in Charleston, South Carolina, at the age of 87.
What awards did Mark W. Clark win?
General Clark received numerous military decorations including two Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star. He also received international honors such as the Legion of Honour from France and was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire.
What was Mark W. Clark's role in The Battle of San Pietro?
In 'The Battle of San Pietro,' Clark appeared as himself in his capacity as the commanding general of the Fifth Army during the actual battle. The documentary, directed by John Huston, showed real combat footage and included Clark discussing the military operation he oversaw.
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Films
1 film
