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Clement, William Tardy

Date of birth:
September 27th, 1894 (Lynchburg/Virginia, United States)
Date of death:
October 17th, 1955
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 4. Grave: 2781.
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

In the Battle of Okinawa (Operation Iceberg) Brigadier General William T. Clement was the assistant division commander of the 6th Marine Division "The Striking Sixth", U.S. Marine Corps.
He was leading the 4th Marines ashore at Yokosuka on 30 August in command of the Fleet Landing Force that would make the first landing on the Japanese home islands following the nation's unconditional surrender. The Marines were tasked with securing the military bases at Yokosuka and demilitarizing the entire peninsula.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Colonel
Unit:
U.S. Asiatic Fleet, U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
August 1942
"For distinguished service in the line of his profession as Marine Officer on the staff of the Commander in Chief, United States Asiatic Fleet between 7 December 1941 and 28 April 1942. Colonel Clement was invaluable in liaison work between the Commandant, Sixteenth Naval District, the Commanding General, United States Armed Forces in the Far East, and particularly with forces engaged on Bataan Peninsula. Although quartered at Corregidor, he spent much of his time on the Bataan Peninsula, and frequently facilitated operations by his suggestions and by his handling of some of the diversified units engaged. Colonel Clement contributed very materially to this campaign."
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Brigadier General (Brigadier)
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 19 August to 8 September 1945."

Awarded with V for Valor.
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second Boer War (1899-1902)
Rank:
Brigadier General (Brigadier)
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 1 October to 10 November 1945."

Gold Star in lieu for a second award on the ribbon of the first
Legion of Merit - US Military
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)

Awarded with two campaign stars.
Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded with clasp "West Indies"
World War I Victory Medal
Haitian Campaign Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With Foreign Service clasp
American Defence Service Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded with two campaign stars.
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded with one campaign star.
Philippines Defence Medal

Sources