Clarence Beavers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clarence Hylan Beavers
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Sergeant Clarence H. Beavers
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| Born | June 12, 1921 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | December 4, 2017 (aged 96) Huntington, New York, U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Calverton National Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1941–1945 |
| Rank |  Sergeant |
| Unit |  555th Parachute Infantry Battalion |
| Battles/wars | World War II
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Clarence Hylan Beavers (born June 12, 1921 – died December 4, 2017) was a brave American soldier. He was a sergeant and a paratrooper in the United States Army. He served during World War II with a very special group. This was the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion. It was the first all-black airborne unit in the U.S. Army. They were also known as the "Triple Nickles."
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Clarence Beavers: A World War II Hero
Clarence Beavers was part of a groundbreaking group. These were black paratroopers assigned to the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion. They trained at Fort Benning in Georgia. Later, this unit became known as the "Smoke Jumpers."
Facing Segregation
During the 1940s, army bases in the southern United States were segregated. This meant black and white soldiers were kept separate. Beavers shared stories about these times. Members of his unit were not allowed to use the post exchange (a store for soldiers) or the mess hall (dining area). Even German and Italian prisoners of war held at the base were allowed to use these facilities.
Protecting the Home Front
The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion served inside the United States. They were mostly on the West Coast. Their main job was to protect against Japanese fire balloons. These balloons were a new kind of weapon. They were giant balloons carrying bombs. Japan launched them across the Pacific Ocean. Their target was North America. The "Triple Nickles" were trained to stop these dangerous balloons. This mission was called Operation Firefly.
A Legacy Remembered
Clarence Beavers passed away on December 4, 2017. He was at his home in Huntington, Long Island. He was 96 years old. He was buried at Calverton National Cemetery. His service helped pave the way for future soldiers. He was a true pioneer in the U.S. military.
