Who Is Wesley Clark? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Wesley K. Clark was born on December 23, 1944, making him 80 years old in 2025. He is widely recognized for his distinguished military career, serving as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) from 1997 to 2000. Clark graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and has held various significant positions throughout his career, including leading troops during the Kosovo War. His political aspirations culminated in a presidential campaign in 2004, positioning him as a key voice within the Democratic Party.
| Occupation | Executives |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 23, 1944 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Wesley Clark's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Wesley Clark stands at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and, despite his age, maintains a fit physique. While his specific weight varies, he is known to prioritize health and fitness, contributing to his overall well-being as he continues to engage in public speaking and advocacy.
Clark was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division and flew to Vietnam in July 1969, during the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. He worked as a staff officer, collecting data and helping in operations planning, and was awarded the Bronze Star for his work with the staff.
Clark was then given command of A Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry of the 1st Infantry Division in January 1970. In February, only one month into his command, he was shot four times by a Viet Cong soldier with an AK-47. The wounded Clark shouted orders to his men, who counterattacked and defeated the Viet Cong force.
Clark had injuries to his right shoulder, right hand, right hip, and right leg, and was sent to Valley Forge Army Hospital in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, to recuperate. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Combat Infantryman Badge for his actions during the encounter.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Wesley Clark is currently single. He was previously married to Gertrude "Gert" Clark, and they had three children together. Following their divorce, Clark has remained focused on his career and advocacy work. While there are no reported romantic relationships at this time, his commitment to public service and national issues often takes precedence in his life.
Clark's father's family was Jewish; his paternal grandparents, Jacob Kanne and Ida Goldman, immigrated to the United States from Belarus, then part of the Russian Empire, in response to the Pale of Settlement and anti-Jewish violence from Russian pogroms.
Clark's father, Benjamin Jacob Kanne, graduated from the Chicago-Kent College of Law and served in the U.S. Naval Reserve as an ensign during World War I, although he never participated in combat. Kanne, living in Chicago, became involved with ward politics in the 1920s as a prosecutor and served in local offices.
He served as a delegate to the 1932 Democratic National Convention that nominated Franklin D. Roosevelt as the party's presidential candidate (though his name does not appear on the published roll of convention delegates). His mother was of English ancestry and was a Methodist.
Net Worth and Salary
Wesley Clark's estimated net worth in 2025 is approximately $12 million. His wealth has been accumulated through various channels, including his military salary, his career in politics, and his work as a consultant and author. He has also engaged in speaking engagements, which contribute significantly to his annual earnings.
Some have speculated that Clark's inexperience at giving "soundbite" answers hurt him in the media during his primary campaign. The day after he launched his campaign, for example, he was asked if he would have voted for the Iraq War Resolution, which granted President Bush the power to wage the Iraq War, a large issue in the 2004 campaign.
Clark said, "At the time, I probably would have voted for it, but I think that's too simple a question," then "I don't know if I would have or not.
I've said it both ways because when you get into this, what happens is you have to put yourself in a position—on balance, I probably would have voted for it." Finally, Clark's press secretary clarified his position as "you said you would have voted for the resolution as leverage for a UN-based solution." After this series of responses, although C
lark opposed the war, The New York Times ran a story with the headline "Clark Says He Would Have Voted for War".
Clark was repeatedly portrayed as unsure on this critical issue by his opponents throughout the primary season.
He was forced to continue to clarify his position and at the second primary debate he said, "I think it's really embarrassing that a group of candidates up here are working on changing the leadership in this country and can't get their own story straight ... I would have never voted for war.
The war was an unnecessary war, it was an elective war, and it's been a huge strategic mistake for this country."
Career, Business, and Investments
Wesley Clark has had a prolific career, transitioning from military service to private sector opportunities. Post-retirement, he has been involved with several organizations and think tanks, providing strategic insight on defense and national security. Clark is also an accomplished author, having published several books on leadership and military strategy. In addition, he has served on the boards of various companies, investing in sectors such as technology and defense. His business acumen has allowed him to maintain a robust portfolio that complements his public service history.
Wesley Kanne Clark (born Wesley J. Kanne, 23 December 1944) is a retired United States Army officer. He graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1966 at West Point and was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to the University of Oxford, where he obtained a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
He later graduated from the Command and General Staff College with a master's degree in military science. He commanded an infantry company in the Vietnam War, where he was shot four times and awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in combat.
Clark served as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO from 1997 to 2000, commanding Operation Allied Force during the Kosovo War. He spent 34 years in the U.S. Army, receiving many military decorations, several honorary knighthoods, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Social Network
Wesley Clark is actively involved in social media, using platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share his perspectives on current events and military matters. His online presence allows him to connect with followers and engage in discussions around strategic issues facing the nation.
The brigade commander had also said that "word of Major Clark's exceptional talent spread", and in one case reached the desk of then Supreme Allied Commander Alexander Haig. Haig personally selected Clark to serve as a special assistant on his staff, a post he held from February 1978 to June 1979.
While on staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Clark wrote policy reports and coordinated two multinational military exercises. As a result of his work on Haig's staff, Clark was promoted to lieutenant colonel and was awarded the Legion of Merit.
After his European post, he moved on to Fort Carson, Colorado, where he served first as the executive officer of the 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division from August 1979 to February 1980, then as the commander of the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor, 4th Infantry Division from February 1980 to July 1982.
According to the American journalist David Halberstam, the commander at Fort Carson, then Major General John Hudachek, had a reputation of disliking West Point graduates and fast-rising officers such as Clark.
Still, Clark was selected first in his year group for full colonel and attended the National War College immediately after his battalion command. Clark graduated in June 1983, and was promoted to full colonel in October 1983.
Education
Clark's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated first in his class. He later earned a Master's degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) from the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, further cementing his reputation as a well-rounded intellectual and leader.
In conclusion, Wesley Clark continues to be an influential figure in American politics and military discussions as of 2025. His experiences, insights, and engagements in various fields make him a significant voice in the ongoing conversations about national security and leadership.
He graduated from Hall High School with a National Merit Scholarship. He helped take their swim team to the state championship, filling in for a sick teammate by swimming two legs of a relay.
Clark has often repeated the anecdote that he decided he wanted to go to West Point after meeting a cadet with glasses who told Clark (who wore glasses as well) that one did not need perfect vision to attend West Point as Clark had thought. Clark applied, and he was accepted on 24 April 1962.
