Tuskegee Airman. Clarence W. Dart was a World War II fighter pilot who distinguished himself flying 95 total missions in North Africa, on two of which he was shot down and received injuries, for which he received two Purple Hearts. In combat he flew Curtiss P-40s with the "Red Tail Squadron" 332nd Fighter Group assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron, 12th Air Force. His military honors also included the Distinguished Flying Cross with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal , the National Defence Service Medal, the American Defence Service Medal and the World War Two Victory Medal. He also flew P51s while engaged in escorting bombers of the 15th Air Force. In post -war years Dart served in the New York Air National Guard, from which he retired as Lieutenant Colonel. He continued to distinguish himself in civilian life, being awarded the New York State Service Star, the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross and induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in 2011. On March 29, 2007 Dart joined his fellow Tuskegee Airmen to receive the Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush. He spoke at numerous local schools and universities on black history. He was buried with military honors at Greenridge Cemetery, Saratoga Springs, NY. (Bio by: Benjamin L. Manifold)
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Clarence W. Dart of Park Place passed away Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at the Wesley Health Care Center.
He was 91.
Born Dec. 6, 1920, in Elmira, N.Y., he was the son of the late Clarence and Katherine (Austin) Dart.
A 1932 graduate of Elmira Free Academy, he was drafted in 1942, entering the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and attended the Elmira Aviation Ground School. He served as a member of the 332nd Fighter Group and was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron in the 12th Air Force in North Africa.
As a Tuskegee Airman flying P-40s with the 318th Army Air Force Unit Squadron F, he flew 95 missions and was shot down twice. A recipient of two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained during air combat, he later retired as lieutenant colonel, having also flown aboard P-51s escorting 15th Air Force bombers. He attended Aero Industries Tech Institute in California, General Electric Flight Test School and was affiliated with GE's Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory from 1950 through 1987.
He received numerous commendations, awards and medals, including five Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross and the New York State Service Star.
Mr. Dart was inducted into the Elmira Free Academy Wall of Fame and was the 2011 43rd Senate District's inductee into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Honored by the former New York state comptroller in 2004, in March of 2007 he and fellow airmen were also recognized at the U.S. Capitol with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor that Congress may bestow.
A noted guest speaker on black history at various local schools, colleges and universities, his community service includes the Charlton School for Girls Trustee Board, the Salvation Army Board, Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. Community Relations Board, New York State Air Museum AIM High Program and the finance committees of both the Troy Conference of the United Methodist Church and the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, of which he was a devoted member.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one son, Clarence W. Dart, Feb. 1, 1977.
Survivors include his wife, M. Mildred "Millie" (Jackson) Dart; eight children, Rose Anne Dart of Staten Island, Warren (Susan) Dart of Saratoga Springs, Katherine A. Dart of Schenectady, Gwendolyn M. (David) Steans of Glens Falls, Denise Dart and Dawn M. (Keith) Ray, all of Clifton Park, Joyce J. Dart of Saratoga Springs and Cynthia Y. (Kirwin) Providence of Gansevoort; eight grandchildren, Tyrone and Jessica Steans, Kristen Dart, Keith and Jonathan Ray and Devine, D. Gregor and Nathanial Providence; and one great-granddaughter, Layla J. Spagnuola-Steans.
Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, 584-5373.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave. at Henning Road.
Burial with military honors will follow in the family plot at Greenridge Cemetery on Lincoln Avenue. Following interment, all are invited to gather with the family for a repass in the Fellowship Hall at the United Methodist Church.
Memorials, omitting flowers, may be made in his name to the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 83395, Los Angeles, CA 90045; (310) 215-3985.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

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Published by The Saratogian from Feb. 18 to Feb. 19, 2012.