Willard L. Clinch

Corporal Willard L. Clinch was born 25 November 1928 in New York. He died 22 February, 1951 (age 22) is South Korea and is buried in St. Helena's Cemetery, Oneida, New York. Corporal Clinch was a squad leader in the 2nd Platoon of Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Division. On February 12, 1951, he single handedly assaulted an enemy position with hand grenades enabling his squad to overrun their position near Pabalmak, South Korea before being mortally wounded. For his leadership and valor, Corporal Clinch was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, The Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Metal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.