World War II Honoree

Clarence Conley Collins

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Lorenzo, Texas

Honored By

Ernesteen Kelly

Relationship

Cousin

HE LIED ABOUT HIS AGE AND WAS OVERSEAS IN EUROPE (PROBABLY EARLY 1943). HE WAS IN GENERAL PATTON'S 3RD ARMORED DIVISION AS IT CROSSED NORMANDY BEACH AND WENT RIGHT ON INTO BERLIN ON D-DAY. THERE IS A PHOTO VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS IN THE LUBBOCK PAPER SHOWING HIM ON THE FRONT OF HIS TANK (HE WAS A GUNNER; THEY GOT HIT, AND HE ENDED UP 'LEARNING' HOW TO DRIVE IT AS OTHERS WERE INJURED). THE PHOTO SHOWED HIM, OTHER G.I. AND SOME GERMAN SOLDIERS ALL PEACEFULLY ENJOYING WHAT APPEARED TO BE A DOUGHNUT-LIKE TREAT.