Combat Service and Injuries
Clark served as a machine gunner with the 5th Marine Regiment during the Tet Offensive and was wounded three times by a mortar round, a grenade, and a gunshot.
34The Shawn Ryan Show
Johnnie Clark: Surviving One of the Deadliest Jobs During the Vietnam War
Author and Vietnam Veteran Johnnie Clark discusses his service as a machine gunner, his three combat wounds, and his post-war life as a martial arts grandmaster.
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#317 Johnnie Clark - Surviving One of the Deadliest Jobs During the Vietnam War
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Ask naturally. GenPod can find a related episode—or make a focused explainer when the right one does not exist.Key takeaways
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Martial Arts Rehabilitation
During rehabilitation from gunshot wounds in Okinawa, Clark began training in martial arts, eventually achieving the rank of 8th Dan in Tae Kwon Do and 9th Dan in Ji Do Kwan.
5678Literary Impact
His books 'Guns Up!' and 'Semper Fidelis' are recommended reading for newly commissioned officers at The Basic School and are on the Commandant’s List of suggested reading for all Marines.
1113Military Decorations
Clark received America’s 3rd highest medal for bravery, the Silver Star, three Purple Hearts, and Vietnam’s highest Medal of Honor, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.
18Ask GenPod next
Keep the question moving.
“What specific challenges did Clark face during the Tet Offensive?”
“How did martial arts training aid in Clark's physical and mental recovery?”
“Why are Clark's books considered essential reading for new Marines?”
Background reading
The context behind the episode.
Early Life
Joining the Marine Corps
Clark joined the Marine Corps at 17 years of age after graduating from St.
2Questions
Questions to carry into the episode.
What role did Johnnie Clark serve in the Vietnam War?
He served as a machine gunner with the famed 5th Marine Regiment during the Tet Offensive.
3How many times was Clark wounded in combat?
He was wounded three times: by a mortar round, a grenade, and a gunshot.
4What martial arts achievements has Clark attained?
He tested for his 8th Dan in Tae Kwon Do and was promoted to 9th Dan in the Ji Do Kwan.
78What are the titles of Clark's notable books?
His notable books are 'Guns Up!' and 'Semper Fidelis'.
11Experts
Voices named in the source.
Johnnie Clark
American author and Vietnam Veteran
1Sources and disclosure
Where this guide comes from.
This guide is based on metadata and evidence from The Shawn Ryan Show episode #317 featuring Johnnie Clark.
- Publisher show notes
Johnnie Clark is an American author and Vietnam Veteran, best known for his 1984 Vietnam War memoir Guns Up!. Many of his works fall into the genre of non-fiction military and contain a tough, no nonsense portrayal of combat, courage, and camaraderie.
- Publisher show notes
Clark joined the Marine Corps at 17 years of age after graduating from St.
- Publisher show notes
He served as a machine gunner with the famed 5th Marine Regiment during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam.
- Publisher show notes
He was wounded 3 times, mortar round, grenade, and gunshot.
- Publisher show notes
During his rehabilitation from gunshot wounds in Okinawa, Mr.
- Publisher show notes
Clark began training in Martial Arts as part of his rehab program.
- Publisher show notes
Clark returned from Korea after testing for his 8th Dan in Tae Kwon Do.
- Publisher show notes
He was also promoted to 9th Dan in the Ji Do Kwan.
- Publisher show notes
Grandmaster Clark owns and operates Johnnie Clark Tae Kwon Do and Judo school in St.
- Publisher show notes
Petersburg and has been inducted into the U.S.A.
- Publisher show notes
Clark’s books, Guns Up! and Semper Fidelis, are recommended reading by Lt.
- Publisher show notes
Madonna, former MCG, to all newly commissioned officers at The Basic School.
- Publisher show notes
His books have been required reading in many colleges and high schools around the country as well as the Commandant’s List of suggested reading for all Marines.
- Publisher show notes
Many commanders have distributed Mr.
- Publisher show notes
Clark’s books to our troops now fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.
- Publisher show notes
Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association Brigadier General Robert L.
- Publisher show notes
Denig Memorial Distinguished Service Award for writing.
- Publisher show notes
Mr. Clark has been awarded America’s 3rd highest medal for bravery and gallantry in combat, The Silver Star, 3 Purple Hearts, Vietnam’s highest Medal of Honor, The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, The Civil Action Combat Medal, The Marine Combat Ribbon among other decorations.
- Publisher show notes
Mr. Clark currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida with his wife, Nancy, and dog, Gunner.
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Johnnie Clark Links:
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FB - https://www.facebook.com/authorjohnnieclark
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IG - https://www.instagram.com/johnniemclark
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Website - https://johnnieclark.com
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