Joseph G. Clemons facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Gordon Clemons, Jr.
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Colonel Joseph G. Clemons, Jr.
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| Born | April 30, 1928 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | May 15, 2018 (aged 90) Hendersonville, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
U.S. Army |
| Years of service | 1946 – 1977 |
| Commands held |
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| Battles | Pork Chop Hill |
| Awards |
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| Spouse(s) | Cecil Russell |
Colonel Joseph Gordon Clemons, Jr. (born April 30, 1928 – died May 15, 2018) was a very brave soldier in the United States Army. He served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He is especially known for his actions in the 1953 Battle of Pork Chop Hill. This battle was even made into a movie called Pork Chop Hill in 1959.
Contents
A Brave Soldier: Joseph G. Clemons
Growing Up and Joining the Army
Joseph G. Clemons, Jr. was born in Cleveland, Ohio. His father was also named Joseph G. Clemons. Young Joseph went to elementary school in Hillsborough County, Florida.
He finished high school at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1945. After graduating, he joined the Army. He served for about a year and a half. Then, he was accepted into the United States Military Academy (West Point). He graduated from West Point in 1951.
Heroism in the Korean War
During the Korean War, Joseph Clemons showed great courage. He was a platoon leader in Company K, 31st Infantry Regiment. In October 1952, he earned the Distinguished Service Cross. This is a very high award for bravery. He received it for leading a counterattack during the Battle of Triangle Hill. He led his soldiers even when they had little ammunition. They even fought hand-to-hand.
The Battle of Pork Chop Hill
In April 1953, Clemons became the commanding officer of Company K. He was still a first lieutenant. He then led a very important counterattack on Pork Chop Hill. For his amazing leadership and bravery in this battle, he received the Silver Star award.
His actions were a major reason his company was able to capture and hold the hill. Even though his unit suffered many losses, they held their ground. At one point, he thought he had lost about half of his soldiers. His brother-in-law, Walter B. Russell Jr., also helped reinforce his position during the battle.
The Movie: Pork Chop Hill
Clemons's bravery at Pork Chop Hill became famous. A book about the battle was written by S.L.A. Marshall, also called Pork Chop Hill. This book was later turned into a movie in 1959.
In the movie, the famous actor Gregory Peck played Joseph Clemons. Clemons himself helped with the movie as a technical adviser. This meant he made sure the movie showed the battle accurately.
Leading in the Vietnam War
After the Korean War, Clemons continued his military career. He was stationed at Fort Campbell with the 101st Airborne Division. Later, as a lieutenant colonel, he commanded a battalion in Germany.
He eventually became a full colonel. In 1969, he commanded the 198th Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam War. He was known for caring about his soldiers. He ordered his personal helicopter to be used for medical supplies and to help wounded soldiers.
In 1970, his unit was under heavy enemy fire. Clemons landed his helicopter and ordered his pilot to evacuate the wounded soldiers. He stayed on the ground with his troops. For this brave act, he received the Bronze Star with V device, which means "for valor" or bravery. In 2007, he received the Distinguished Graduate Award from the West Point Association of Graduates.
His Life and Family
In 1952, Joseph Clemons married Cecil B. Russell. She was the daughter of Major Walter B. Russell.
Joseph Gordon Clemons, Jr. passed away on May 15, 2018. He was 90 years old. He died in Hendersonville, North Carolina, due to complications from pneumonia.
