The James E. Coffey Post 3 was proud to welcome home one of its long time members, Craig Clement. Craig visited the post while home recovering from wounds he received while fighting in Iraq. Craig served as a forward observer in the 3rd Infantry Division. He was part of the group that took the Baghdad International Airport during the battle of Baghdad. His unit was later moved to the city of Fallujah in the Sunni triangle, where Craig was wounded in battle. Craig was the only heavy gunner in the area. An unarmed medevac chopper was attacked by enemy Iraqi Army soldiers while trying to get out a wounded trooper. Craig manned his 50 cal. machine gun stopping the attack and letting the chopper get the wounded trooper out. Craig fired over 500 rounds from his 50 cal., plus he used up most of the ammo from his personal weapons. He was finally pulled away from his 50 cal., bleeding from wounds he received during the battle. Craig didn't stop until all the Iraqi soldiers were taken out. For this action Craig was awarded the BRONZE STAR with Valor and the PURPLE HEART.
Craig also took part in Desert Storm and is assigned to the Air Force Special Operations (special forces).
Craig also wears Airborne wings and Air Assault wings along with a total of 20 ribbons. Not bad for a 32 year old trooper.
Craig is visiting with his father George Clement, who is also a Coffey Post 3 member, and is justly, very proud of his son.
One of the reason's the American Legion was founded is to honor and help our fellow comrades in arms. It will be an honor to welcome back the many Post 3 legion members now serving in the active military.
