James Walter Clements
Private First Class
MORTAR BTRY, 4TH BN, 12TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF
United States Marine Corps
Springfield, Oregon
December 01, 1946 to August 19, 1967
JAMES W CLEMENTS is on the Wall at Panel 25E, Line 15

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James W Clements
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01 Apr 2006

Jim Clements was assigned the task of driving a 5 ton ammo truck even though he was small in stature. He never blinked and went about driving the truck daily from Camp Carroll to Dong Ha to keep the guns of Mike Battery supplied with ammo. On the way back from Dong Ha, he lost control of the truck on the wet, slick dirt road going up from Highway 9 to Camp Carroll on the top of the plateau. He was pinned under the truck for a time until we could get him free and died on the helicopter on the way to Delta Med in Dong Ha. He never complained about his duty even though he knew his size put him at a disadvantage behind the wheel. We were short-handed all of the time and he knew his help was needed.

James was doing his duty driving a 5 ton ammo truck when the accident occurred. He was doing his duty as only a Marine can, with all his ability no matter what is asked of him. Although not a "combat" casualty, he still paid the ultimate price for all of us. Because of his dedication to duty he is remembered as a true "Marine". He was well liked and is missed by all who knew and worked with him.

Joe E. Oldham
oldham1147@earthlink.net


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