2LT John Bernard Clements Jr

courtesy Rob Burney

2LT John Bernard Clements Jr was born "John West Clements" on 6 Sep 1914 in Little Falls, New York. He was the 4th of 5 children born to John Bernard and Isabelle (Laurent) Clements.  His father was an English immigrant who worked as a lineman in several New York state communities.  Isabelle died in July 1918 at the age of 38. John Sr remarried in February 1919 and Harriet Coventry became step-mother to the 5 Clements children. Unfortunately, John's sister, Louise Laurent Clements died at the age of 12 in 1920. John had a degree from Oswego State College and a BS degree from Buffalo State College. 

When John Jr. entered the service 7 May 1942 he was principal of Union School in McDonough, New York.  He married Lucy Frances Ferraro in August 1942.  His bride was a nurse. After completing officer training in May 1943 he was sent overseas in December 1943 and assigned to A Company 116th Infantry where he was serving as "assistant platoon leader".  He was with the unit as it prepared for the amphibious assault on the Normandy Beaches at Vierville-sur-mer, Department du Calvados, Basse-Normandie.  2LT Clements was killed in action on the day of the landings, 6 Jun 1944, when he was hit by small arms fire while leading an attempt to neutralize a bunker.

2LT Clements was repatriated in 1948 aboard the USS Robert Burns and re-interred in Saint Patrick's Cemetery in Yonkers, New York.  

John's only brother, Alfred Paul Clements, also served in the U.S. Army during WW2.