#VeteranOfTheDay Army and Marine Corps Veteran Clova D. Westfall

Veteran of the Day graphic by Alexandra Craig.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army and Marine Corps Veteran Clova D. Westfall. Clova served during the Korean and Vietnam War.

Clova began his military career with the United States Marine Corps, enlisting on March 3, 1952. In 1953, he was deployed to Korea and served there until 1954. On March 2, 1955, he completed his enlistment with the Marine Corps and was discharged at the rank of corporal.

In 1956, Clova reenlisted, this time with the United States Army. Between May 1, 1962 and May 31, 1966, Clova served as a motor sergeant in both A and B Company of the 2^nd Battalion, 13^th Infantry Regiment, 8^th Infantry Division. During his time with the 2^nd Battalion, he served with exceptional dedication, taking it upon himself to devote long hours towards studying different maintenance procedures and regulations to assist his fellow soldiers in becoming more proficient in their duties. This devotion gained him the respect and admiration of his superiors and subordinates, ultimately earning him his first Army Commendation Medal.

Between June 22, 1966 and June 22, 1967, Clova served his first combat tour in Vietnam. For actions during this deployment, Clova was awarded his second Army Commendation Medal in recognition of exceptionally meritorious service. Between 1967 and 1970, he was awarded his third Army Commendation Medal.

He went on to serve a second tour in Vietnam between Oct. 1970 and Oct. 1971. During this deployment, he was awarded the Bronze Star and a fourth Army Commendation Medal in recognition of his efficacy in resolving problems under combat conditions.

Clova retired from the Army in Oct. 1972 at the rank of sergeant first class. Throughout his service in Vietnam, Clova was exposed to the defoliant, Agent Orange. He passed away from health complications caused by exposure to Agent Orange on Jan. 4, 1994.

We honor his service.

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? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her 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.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Contributors:

Graphic designer: Alexandra Craig

Fact checker: Matthias Sheppard

Editor: Taryn Gehman