In Memory of US Army PFC
Richard Herman Clement
Polo, South Dakota
Hand County
October 28, 1915 -- November 6, 1943
Killed in Action in the Italy Invasion
Richard Herman Clement was born in Putman County, Ohio, on October 28, 1915, to Hubert and Elizabeth Clement. He later moved to Hand County with his parents and was engaged in farming at the time he was called to service.
Richard was one of the first men to be inducted from Hand County when he left for army service on March 23, 1941. His sister, Lenore, remembers going with him to Miller to get on the train. He went overseas on March 4, 1942, and served for many months and participated in the Tunisian Campaign where he was wounded in battle and was awarded the Purple Heart decoration.
Richard later fought in the invasion of Italy and was killed in action on November 6, 1943. A letter from the War Department dated November 27, 1943, stated: “I deeply regret that it is necessary to confirm the telegram of recent date informing you of the death of your son, Private First Class Richard H. Clement, Infantry, who died 6 November 1943 in Italy as a result of wounds received in action.”
Memorial services were later held for Richard at St. Liborious Church in Polo.
We will remember the sacrifice of Richard H. Clement and appreciate the freedoms we have today.
This entry was respectfully submitted by Anna Simons and Jeremy Miller, 11th Grade, Miller High School, Miller, South Dakota, January 3, 2002. Information for this entry was provided by Lenore Venjohn, Miller, SD, and Ed Hall, Sioux Falls, SD.
