#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Joseph G. Clemons Jr.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Joseph G. Clemons Jr. Joseph served in the Army from 1946 to 1977.

Joseph graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1951 and in 1952, was sent to Korea. As Platoon Leader in Company K, 3^rd Battalion, 31^st Infantry Regiment, 7^th Infantry Division, he played a critical role in retaking a vital position from the enemy at the Battle of Pork Chop Hill in 1953.

In 1969, Joseph returned to combat in Vietnam. He was recognized for his use of helicopters to support combat, medical resupply and evacuation. On one occasion, he landed and commanded his personal pilot to evacuate the wounded while he stayed behind to direct fire support.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star Medal for his leadership at the Battle of Pork Chop Hill and the Bronze Star with V for Valor for his actions in Vietnam.

Following his retirement from service in 1977, he lived in Hawaii with his family for 20 years before relocating to Hendersonville, North Carolina. He remained active by running a yacht delivery business and flying his classic WWII Navion aircraft. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, was a parishioner at St. James Episcopal Church of Hendersonville, founded the Intercessory Prayer Team and started the St. James Sunday transportation team.

In 1999, he was entered into the Ranger Hall of Fame; in 2000, he became a member of the United States Legion of Valor, and in 2007, he was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of West Point.

He was a devoted husband to Cecil for 65 years and father to Michael, Susannah and Joseph.

Joseph passed away on May 15, 2018.

We honor your service, Joseph!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/his service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Graphic By Whitney Moore: Whitney is an undergraduate senior at Southern New Hampshire University studying Social Media Marketing.