Clayton Charles Kemp, Jr
Petty Officer Third Class
HS-8, CVSG-59, USS BENNINGTON, TF 77, 7TH FLEET United States Navy Wheat Ridge, Colorado October 09, 1947 to January 12, 1967 CLAYTON C KEMP Jr is on the Wall at Panel 14E, Line 17 |
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Chuck died in North Vietnamese waters when the helicopter on which he crewed went down. His body was never recovered. It was three months and three days after his nineteenth birthday. He was my friend, he was my brother. As long as I draw breath, his memory will not be forgotten.
Stephen Anthony |
Chuckie was my brother. Three days before my fifth birthday we received the first telegram indicating he was MIA. It was a matter of a few days when we received the telegram indicating he had been declared dead. I remember the last time I saw him he brought me a big pink bunny rabbit. As he was leaving our home for the last time, wearing his dress blues, I gave him a huge hug with that bunny in my arms and got pink fuzz all over his uniform. My mother was angry with me, but Chuckie just laughed that wonderful laugh of his and took it in stride. He nudged my chin, gave me a kiss and went on down the driveway. It's the last memory I have of him. I miss you terribly, Chuckie...
Love, |
Chuck was my fellow aircrewman and I will always remember the day he and Reinecke died. We were all so young and he died serving his country. May God bless him. He is my hero.
From a friend, |
I did not know him personally but I was in the ship's Control Tower the night the helo went down. I witnessed the events and took part in the investigation of the crash. Clayton, your memory will last in our hearts until we all meet together in heaven.
Steve
From a shipmate, |
Clayton, we never had the opportunity to meet
From a shipmate and USS BENNINGTON (CV/CVA/CVS-20) historian, |
A Note from The Virtual Wall
Two men of Anti-Submarine Helicopter Squadron 8 died when SH-3A BuNo 149909 crashed at sea:
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