Clarence L. Tinker | |
|---|---|
 Clarence L. Tinker as a Major General | |
| Born | November 21, 1887 near Pawhuska, Indian Territory |
| Died | June 7, 1942 (aged 54) Near Midway Island, U.S. |
| Buried | Died at sea |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Army Air Forces |
| Years of service | 1912–1942 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands | 17th Pursuit Group 7th Bombardment Group 27th Bombardment Group Seventh Air Force |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Soldier's Medal Distinguished Service Medal |
Major General Clarence Leonard Tinker (21 November 1887 – 7 June 1942) was a career United States Army officer, the highest ranking Native-American officer (as a member of the Osage Nation), and the first to reach that rank.[1] During World War II, he had been assigned as Commander of the Seventh Air Force in Hawaii to reorganize the air defenses.
He flew to lead a force during the Battle of Midway in June 1942; his plane went out of control and was lost in the ocean. He was the first U.S. Army general officer to be killed during a battle in World War II, and the second general or flag officer, after Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd. Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is named in his honor.