Charles C. Clark
Nov 1,1966 SSgt Charles C. Clark, son of Stephen and Florence of Howe, NE gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He was a member of C Company 2nd Battalion 18th Infantry Division. His company was conducting a search and destroy operation near Di A when it was suddenly engaged by a large hostile force armed with automatic weapons, small arms, and mortars. With complete disregard for his own personal safety he began moving from position to position checking on the status of his men and offering them words of encouragement. Upon discovering his men were in urgent need of ammunition, he exposed himself to enemy fire in order to distribute vital ammunition supplies along the perimeter. Throughout the battle he repeatedly placed himself in the Viet Cong killing zone to lay accurate fire on the insurgents' positions. He continually went to the aid of injured comrades and in the midst of battle administered first aid to several of his comrades. It was during one of these acts that he was mortally wounded. Posthumously he received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with “V”. From the Republic of Vietnam he received the Military Merit medal and the Gallantry Cross with Palm. The Vietnam honors were among the first to be presented to American servicemen. He joined the Army Oct. 3,1947. He was in the 4th Platoon 7766 Horse Troop. July 19,1951 he was on the front lines and wounded during a battle. He received the Purple Heart. While serving time in the Air Force he completed the Air Police Training. He received several commendations while serving his country. 1966 Best squad leader in 3rd Infantry . He received a citation for bravery in Germany . While risking his life he swerved his jeep off the road to avoid hitting another vehicle and injuring its occupants. He served most of his military years in the Army. He was in the Air force for a brief time. He did 3 tours in Vietnam. He was killed a few months before retiring. When home he never talked about the wars or battles . He did talk about the effects it had on children and civilians. He felt very deeply for the innocent ones.
