Welling Clark and his wife Sallie worked to get the bridge to the USAFA dedicated to a Colorado Springs World War II Naval Pilot, AMM1c Daniel T. Griffin. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Petty Officer 1st Class Griffin was standing watch when the first signs of an attack appeared. With selfless resolve, he was among the first to alert others, taking immediate action to defend his base. Racing into the water toward his PBY Catalina patrol plane, Griffin attempted to launch the aircraft to respond to the surprise assault. Tragically, his plane was struck by enemy fire shortly after takeoff and crashed into the bay. Though severely burned, Griffin survived the crash and still tried to swim to shore. His determination cost him his life—he was fatally
shot by an enemy aircraft before he could make it to safety. His body was not recovered for five days. Griffin’s sacrifice was honored with a posthumous citation for his bravery and “utter disregard of personal danger.” From 1941 to 1947, his remains were interred in Hawaii before being brought home to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs. In 1943, the Navy commissioned the USS Daniel T. Griffin, a destroyer escort, in his name—a tribute to his valor and service.
Welling’s Frat 5 shipmates, Mike ‘Bernie’ McGee and Danny ‘Tex’ Keuhlen joined him and represented USNA at the sign dedication. Every USAFA cadet sees that sign when they enter USAFA.