World War II Honoree

Charles H. Clifton

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Louisville, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

DRAFTED AND ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE ON OCTOBER 29, 1943 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. COMPLETED BOOT CAMP AND MACHINIST SCHOOL AT NAVAL CONSTRUCTION TRAINING CENTER, CAMP PERRY, VIRGINIA AND STEVEDORE SCHOOL AT NAVAL CONSTRUCTION TRAINING CENTER, DAVISVILLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH THE 31ST CONSTRUCTION BATTALION (SEABEE) WHICH SHIPPED OUT TO HILO, HAWAII ARRIVING ON OCTOBER 8, 1944. WENT INTO ACTION WITH THE 5TH MARINE DIVISION AT IWO JIMA AND WHEN SECURED, TRANSFERRED TO THE 41ST CONSTRUCTION REGIMENT. FOLLOWING WAR’S END, REDEPLOYED TO OMURA, JAPAN. EARNED THE COMBAT ACTION RIBBON (AWARDED RETROACTIVELY BY 1999 CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATION), AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH AT LEAST 1 BRONZE BATTLE STAR, AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A BOATSWAIN'S MATE 2ND CLASS ON NOVEMBER 8, 1945 AT THE PERSONNEL SEPARATION CENTER, GREAT LAKES, ILLINOIS.