PFC Clifford Leroy Ulam

courtesy of Scout

PFC Clifford Leroy Ulam was born 30 Apr 1924 in Edwardsburg, Michigan. He was the youngest of the 9 children born to John David and Sarah Loretta (Hodges) Ulam. His father supported the family on a rented farm near Volina, Michigan. Clifford did not progress beyond grammar school and went to work as a farm hand. He was working for Ernest Benjamin in Lawton, Michigan in 1942. 

Clifford was drafted in April 1943. After his basic military training he was probably sent to England but we do not yet know where. PFC Ulam was transferred from the replacement depot to H Company 116th Infantry on 22 Jul 1944 as the regiment approached Vire, France. He served as an ammunition handler in support of unit operations in the battle of Vire and was wounded a shoulder and foot by artillery fire on 6 Aug 1944 but remained on duty. He continued to serve through the Brest campaign and as the regiment moved into Germany near Aachen. Details are lacking but PFC Ulam was killed in action on 21 Oct 1944. 

PFC Ulam was repatriated in 1948 and re-interred in the Almena Cemetery in Paw Paw, Michigan where he will rest forever with family members. 

Clifford's older brother, John David Ulam Jr, served in the U.S. Army during WW2. Grandfather, George Hodges, served as a PVT in K Company 13th Michigan Infantry (USA) was wounded at Chickamauga and had his right foot amputated. Grandfather, John Burton Ulam, served during the Civil War as a PVT in H Company 30th Michigan Infantry (USA).