27 May 2004 From the Citation for John's Silver Star: Reason: For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 May 1970. Private Claggett distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company E, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 502d Infantry, during combat operations in Thua Thein Province, Republic of Vietnam. While approaching an enemy bunker complex, Private (promoted to Cpl posthumously) Claggett's platoon received intense hostile fire. Despite the heavy volume of hostile fire directed against him, Private Claggett maneuvered against the insurgents and returned fire. He moved to an open position and remained there, placing suppressive fire on the enemy until one of his comrades threw a hand grenade into an enemy bunker. Private Claggett then assaulted the bunker nearest him and was mortally wounded by hostile automatic weapons fire. Private Claggett's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. John was born August 31, 1948 in Richmond Heights, Saint Louis County, Missouri. He was the second son of Forest and Dora Claggett who lived in Labadie, Mo. at the time. He grew up in Franklin County, Mo. and graduated from R-8 elementary school at Guildehouse and went to Union High School, graduating in 1966. During high school he excelled at track and swimming. His favorite subjects were math, science and mechanical drawing. He spent two semesters at Southeast Missouri State University, where he was on the varsity swimming team and set five school records. John was naturally gifted as an artist and loved to explore caves. He loved nature and collected fossils as a hobby. Before being drafted into the service he had migraine headaches and often dreamed about being killed in combat. He had a premonition that he would be killed in Vietnam. The night before he was to report his best friend offered to go with him to Canada to escape the draft. He reported anyway. He was posted at Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Ord and Fort Benning before shipping out to Vietnam. John is missed by his family and his friends. He was a talented individual who would have been an asset to the community. There isn't a day goes by when he isn't remembered. His awards and decorations include the    * Silver Star Medal;    * Bronze Star Medal;    * Purple Heart;    * Good Conduct Medal;    * National Defense Service Medal;    * Vietnam Service Medal;    * Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal;    * Combat Infantryman Badge;    * Expert Badge with automatic rifle bar; and    * Sharpshooter Badge with rifle bar.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall E Company, 2/502nd Infantry, lost three men on 20 May 1970 - SGT Gary W. Gear, Fairfield, CA; CPL Robert E. Cain, Levittown, NY; and CPL John A. Claggett, Union, MO (Silver Star)

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