Born: 1961 (Ames, Iowa, USA)
Died: 2003 (over Texas, USA)
Biography:
Laurel Blair Clark (née Salton; March 10, 1961 – February 1, 2003) was a NASA astronaut, medical doctor, United States Navy captain, and Space Shuttle mission specialist. She was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to both the field of medicine and space exploration.
Born in Ames, Iowa, Clark later considered Racine, Wisconsin to be her hometown. She was a bright and ambitious individual from an early age, displaying a passion for learning and a determination to excel. Clark was an active member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority during her time at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and held a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued Technician Class amateur radio license with the call sign KC5ZSU.
Education was of utmost importance to Clark, as she believed that knowledge and skills were essential tools for making a positive impact on the world. In 1979, she graduated from William Horlick High School in Racine, Wisconsin. She then went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1983. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a doctorate in Medicine from the same institution, which she successfully obtained in 1987.
Clark’s expertise and dedication to the medical field were further honed through her military career. During her time in medical school, she underwent active duty training with the Diving Medicine Department at the United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit. Following the completion of her medical degree, she underwent postgraduate medical education in pediatrics at the National Naval Medical Center.
Clark’s commitment to serving her country led her to undergo training as a Radiation Health Officer and Undersea Medical Officer. She was assigned as the Submarine Squadron 14 Medical Department Head in Holy Loch, Scotland, where she dove with Navy divers and performed numerous medical evacuations from US submarines. Her invaluable contributions and expertise earned her the designation as a Naval Submarine Medical Officer and Diving Medical Officer.
In pursuit of expanding her medical knowledge, Clark underwent aeromedical training at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola, Florida. She was then stationed at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, where she served as the Flight Surgeon for Marine Attack Squadron 211 (VMA-211), a Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier squadron. Clark’s dedication to her duties led her to make multiple deployments, including one overseas to the Western Pacific, where she practiced medicine in austere environments and flew on various aircraft. Her exceptional performance and contributions earned her squadron the prestigious title of Marine Attack Squadron of the Year.
Clark’s exceptional skills and commitment to excellence caught the attention of NASA, and she was selected for astronaut training in 1996. As a mission specialist, Clark embarked on her first and only spaceflight on board the Space Shuttle Columbia in January 2003. Tragically, the mission ended in disaster when the Columbia disintegrated during re-entry, resulting in the loss of Clark and her six fellow crew members.
Laurel B. Clark’s contributions to the fields of medicine and space exploration were invaluable. Her dedication, intelligence, and courage made her an inspiration to many. In recognition of her remarkable achievements and ultimate sacrifice, she was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
Awards:
– Congressional Space Medal of Honor (posthumous)