The U.S. Air Force Academy remembers one of its own.

Former Superintendent, retired Lieutenant General Albert P. Clark died on March 8 at the age of 96.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday at the Cadet Chapel.

"A man we knew as generous and humble. A man who led from the front and a man who left a lasting and admiral legacy," said Lt. Gen. Michael Gould, who is currently the Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Clark was superintendent from 1970 until 1974. He's credited with allowing women into the academy.

"While he wasn't the superintendent when women were actually admitted into our academy, he was the one who published the initial integration plan," said Lt. Gen. Gould.

He also helped improve the Airfield, which cadets still enjoy today.

But, General Clark is most famous for his time as a prison of war.

"He experienced what he felt was the greatest failure of his life when he was shot down over the English channel soon after the U.S. entered World War II," said daughter Carolyn Clark Miller.

The general spent 33 months in a German prison of war camp. During that time, he helped 76 POWs escape, which inspired the movie "The Great Escape."

"General Clark, we salute you today knowing you rest in eternal peace," said Lt. Gen. Gould.

"He was an example for us all to live a full live and age with dignity," said Miller.

General Clark was laid to rest on Wednesday at the Academy Cemetery.

He is survived by two daughters, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to The Friends of the Air Force Academy Library, Box 188, Air Force Academy, Colorado 80840, or to the American Red Cross.