Richard Warren Clearman, Boatswain's Mate 2/c, born Sept. 29, 1921, Junction City, KS, received his BA degree in education. He joined the USN Sept. 25, 1940. Vessels and stations served were the USS West Virginia, Chester, Neches, St. Paul, YMS-243, PT Boat Base No. 17, and Great Lakes NTS.

Memorable experiences include observing the scuttling of the USS Lexington.  BM2/c Clearman was discharged Nov. 22, 1946. Awards include the Asiatic-Pacific w/2 stars, American Area w/star, Philippine Liberation w/star, American Defense, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Pearl Harbor Medal and a Life Saving Commendation by the Secretary of the Navy.

He and his wife, Corienne (Jones) live in Effingham, KS. He has three children, three step-children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is a retired teacher and athletic coach. He enjoys fishing and gardening.

Reprinted with permission from Turner Publishing