PVT Clifford Edgar Patton

courtesy of Des Philippet

PVT Clifford Edgar Patton was born 23 Aug 1918 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the 2nd of 4 and 1st surviving child born to Clifford Curtis and Emma Pearl (Brown) Patton. His father had worked as a farm hand but was working as a machinist in Indianapolis when young Clifford was born. In 1924 Emma had a heart attack due to hyperthyroidism and died. Clifford's dad died in 1928. Clifford was sent to live with relatives as were his 2 sisters.About 1935 he left Indiana for the promise of a better life in California and in 1940 was working as a pin setter in a bowling alley. Clifford apparently married Frances in 1942.

Clifford was working as a longshoreman when he was drafted in September 1944. After his basic military training he was sent to the European theater. On 15 Feb 1945 he was transferred from the replacement depot to G Company 116th Infantry. He was again transferred on 3 Mar 1945, this time to B Company 116th Infantry. PVT Patton was killed in action on 5 Apr 1945.

PVT Patton rests forever in the Netherlands American Cemetery.