David T. Cloft
{{autobiography|date=June 2018}}
{{Infobox writer
|name = LTC (R) David T. Cloft
|image=
|image_size=200px
|alt=
|caption=Cloft in 2010 at Camp Perry, Ohio
| native_name_lang = English
|pseudonym = Dave Cloft
|birth_name = David Thomas Cloft{{cite web |url=https://www.westpointaog.org/FindaGradDisplay?reid=33TUB08E78nk80rhiZ3rww%3d%3d&bbsys=0&bbrt=0 |title=David Thomas Cloft |publisher=West Point Association of Graduates |access-date=10 May 2022}}
|birth_place = Alpena, Michigan, US
|occupation = U.S. Army (competitive shooter)
|nationality = American
|education = BS Environmental Engineering, MS Operations Research
|alma_mater = US Military Academy, Florida Institute of Technology
| years_active = 1985- present
|
| }}
David T. Cloft is a competitive smallbore and long range rifle shooter from the United States, who has won seven National Championships and has set 11 US National Records.{{Cite web |url=https://www.esseyepro.com/ESS-Shooter-Dave-Cloft-Breaks-4-National-Records_60_news.html# |title=ESS Shooter Dave Cloft Breaks 4 National Records in ESS Updates - ESS Eye Pro - Ballistic Goggles - Ballistic Sunglasses - Military Eyewear - Eye Protection – Shooting Glasses |access-date=2018-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423102318/https://www.esseyepro.com/ESS-Shooter-Dave-Cloft-Breaks-4-National-Records_60_news.html# |archive-date=2018-04-23 |url-status=dead }} In 1999, he became the first American to be Knighted by the Princess of Buedingen, Germany, after winning their annual Schutzenfest.{{Cite web|url=http://pronematch.com/shooter-spotlight-dave-cloft/|title=Prone Match|last=Holmes|first=Dan|date=October 27, 2009|website=Pronematch.com|access-date=23 April 2018}} He formerly served as a United States Army officer and retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Early life and education
Cloft was born and raised in Alpena, Michigan. At the age of 10, he began competitive shooting with the local 4-H program. He graduated magna cum laude from the Alpena High School in 1993. Upon graduation, he was recruited to shoot on the NCAA Rifle team at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering in 1997. He has a Master of Science degree in Operations Research from the Florida Institute of Technology.{{Cite web|url=http://www.odcmp.org/1008/USAMU_FortKnoxMajor.pdf|title=The Turret|author=Ally Rogers|website=Odcmp./org|access-date=23 April 2018}}
Military career
After being commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant, he was assigned to the 1-1 Cavalry Squadron, Buedingen, Germany.{{Cite web|url=http://pronematch.com/shooter-spotlight-dave-cloft/|title=Prone Match.com|last=Holmes|first=Dan|website=Pronematch.com|access-date=23 April 2018}} During his military career, Cloft competed for the US Army Marksmanship Unit, US Army Reserve Shooting Team, and US National Rifle Team.{{cite web|url=http://www.usarshooters.org/ServiceRifle.html|title=USAR Service Rifle Section|website=Usarshooters.org|accessdate=23 April 2018}} He has also been awarded the President's Hundred Tab and US Army Distinguished Rifleman badge.{{cite web|url=http://www.odcmp.org/1008/USAMU_FortKnoxMajor.pdf|website=Odcmp.org|title=Fort Knox major's rifle skills earn military honors|author=Ally Rogers|accessdate=23 April 2018}}
Awards and legacy
Cloft was inducted into the Alpena High School Hall of Fame in 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.alpenaschools.com/district/information/alumni/alumni-hall-of-fame/|title=Alumni Hall of Fame|website=Alpenaschools.com|accessdate=23 April 2018}}