Memorial

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Cpl Clarence Patton enlisted in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania on 5 June 1941.

On 6 December 1941, he was given an honorable discharge because he had passed the 28-year-old age limit. The next day, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and six weeks later Cpl Patton was back in the Army.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cros posthumously. The citation cited: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. On 29 August 1944, a platoon of reconnaissance troops, of which Cpl Patton was a member, advanced as the leading element of Combat Command xxx,xxx Armored Division, on the town of xxx,xxx. (sic)
The platoon was immediately counter-attacked by an enemy force which out-numbered them by more than twenty to one. Corporal Patton stood fast in his advanced position and killed more than twenty of the enemy with small arms fire. He so inspired his men by his conspicuous bravery that they held their positions against the overwhelming odds, killed more than one hundred and fifty of the enemy, and held the town for over two hours, until relieved by friendly infantry. Following this heroic action, Corporal Patton continued to serve with his reconnaissance platoon until he was killed in action of (sic) 12 September 1944 while engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy at xxx,xxx. (sic)
His outstanding heroism, his consistent eagerness to close with the enemy, and his supreme devotion to duty exemplifies the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.