Clarence A. Shoop

Clarence Arthur Shoop

Born	(1907-05-10)May 10, 1907 Clarendon, Pennsylvania
Died	January 27, 1968(1968-01-27) (aged 60) Beverly Hills, California
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Air Force
Rank	Major General
Commands held	7th Photo Reconnaissance Group 46th Military Airlift Group 146th Fighter-Bomber Wing Edwards Air Force Base California Air National Guard
Awards	Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal Presidential Unit Citation American Defense Medal Army Commendation Medal WWII Victory Medal American Campaign Medal European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Croix de Guerre with Palm Vietnam Expeditionary Force Medal California Medal of Merit California Commendation Medal
Spouse(s)	Julie Bishop (m. 1944)
Relations	Pamela Susan Shoop

Clarence A. 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.

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. A difficult student, Shoop took a trainer aircraft for his first solo flight without permission. Upon his return he experienced a ground loop while landing, causing minor damage to the aircraft. Shoop was convicted by court-martial and sentenced to six months' hard labor at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. His sentence was subsequently rescinded but he was kicked out of the Army Air Corps cadet program.

Shoop was able to join the California Air National Guard training program at Griffith Park Aerodrome, where he earned his Aviator badge. By (at latest) 1933, Shoop was a First Lieutenant assigned to the Guard's 115th Observation Squadron.