In Memory of
Army S/Sgt.
Clifford E. Krauter
Wessington, South Dakota
Beadle County

March 7, 1918 -- June 24, 1944
Killed In Action at Maffin, New Guinea

Clifford Krauter was born on March 7, 1918, to Elmer and Hazel Krauter at Wessington, South Dakota, where he was subsequently raised and educated.
Clifford entered the Army on July 7, 1941, at the age of 23. Because of a hunting accident in his youth, Clifford could have been granted a medical discharge but decided to remain in the Army. After basic training at Camp Walters, Texas, S/Sgt. Krauter was sent overseas to Australia in September of 1943.

S/Sgt. Clifford Krauter served as a squad leader in Company K, 1st Regimental Combat Team, 6th Infantry Division, which was part of a group dubbed the “Tornado Task Force.” Involved in a long and fierce battle for a strategic location in Maffin Bay, New Guinea, S/Sgt. Krauter was wounded seven times although he still walked to the beach for evacuation. His last words to his Commanding Officer, Capt. McDonald of Vermillion, SD, were “Give them hell Mac, and I’ll see you back in South Dakota.”

Army S/Sgt. Clifford Krauter was drowned as enemy fire hit the landing craft that was transporting Krauter to the hospital transport ship. Clifford’s remains were originally buried at Finschhafen, Papau, New Guinea, and then later relocated to the American Cemetery at Manila, Philippines.

I will remember the service and sacrifices of Staff Sgt. Clifford Krauter.

This entry was respectfully submitted by Loren Wheeler, 8th Grade West, Spearfish Middle School, Spearfish, South Dakota, November 16, 2000. Mrs. Arlene Matthews, Wessington, South Dakota, sister of Clifford Krauter, provided information for this entry.

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