Clarence A. Shoop

Clarence Adelbert Shoop (May 10, 1907 – January 27, 1968) was a long serving pilot in the California Air National Guard, an American test pilot, and a mustang who eventually rose to rank of major general and post-war commander of the California Air National Guard. His Guard unit was federalized into the United States Army Air Corps in World War II, where he flew photo reconnaissance missions. After the war he returned to work as an executive at Hughes Aircraft Company while continuing as an officer in the California Air National Guard.

Early career Shoop enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 1927. By 1930 he was a cadet in the United States Army Air Corps (forerunner of the United States Air Force), learning how to fly at March Field. By 1933, Shoop was a first lieutenant assigned to the Guard's 115th Observation Squadron. At the invitation of Eleanor Roosevelt, the couple had a short honeymoon at her home in Hyde Park, New York.

Eighth Air Force During World War II, Shoop was assigned to the 55th Fighter Wing. The day before D-Day, he took command of the 7th Photo Reconnaissance Group, then under the Eighth Air Force. General Eisenhower credited Shoop and his group's intelligence collection for their tracking of the allied invasion's progress. The group was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for their work. He was later promoted to colonel. Shoop eventually became a Vice President at Hughes Aircraft. Gallant Journey, He appeared as a contestant on You Bet Your Life hosted by Groucho Marx on an episode that first aired December 22, 1955.

Shoop died of pneumonia in January 1968 at the age of 60.