Clayton D. Gard - 540th Combat Engineer

[Walt's Daughter]

Another member of the 540th! Received this letter earlier this week. Am also posting the photos his daughter enclosed.

 

Hi Marion,

 

I have been perusing your website since I discovered it yesterday and am amazed at the information you have compiled.

 

Here is a short bio of my father's service:

 

With the draft being eminent, Clayton D. Gard enlisted in the Army on January 13, 1940 and was sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana. He was promoted to Private First Class 6990536, Corporal, Company D, 28th Engineers Training Bn, ERTC. His civilian occupation was a general farm hand and his education was one year of high school. He went through military maneuvers until October 23, 1942 when he was dispatched overseas for active duty in World War II. His military occupational specialty was a construction foreman-059. His army serial number was 6-990-536, Grade: Sgt; Arm or Service: CE; Component: RA; Organization: Co C 2832 Engr Combat Bn. His battles and campaigns in World War II included Algeria-French Morocco; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Rhineland; and Southern France. His decorations and citations included EAME Theater Ribbon with 6 Bronze Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead per WD GO #33/45; American Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Ribbon per LTR Hz Company C 540th Engineers Regiment 3/Apr/44. He had no days lost under AW 107 and a lapel button was issued. His total length of service; continental service 2 years 9 months 15 days, foreign service 2 years 8 months and 19 days. His grade was a Sergeant at the time of his separation on July 16, 1945 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. The reason and authority for separation was the Conv of Govt RR 1-1 (Demobilization of forces) and the end of World War II on December 15, 1944.

 

First of all, I would like to verify that I have found the correct website/information. I have looked through the rosters that are on your site and don't see my father's name listed, though from everything I am reading, am certain that he was in service with these veterans.

 

My father passed away of November 1, 1998; almost 10 years ago now. He didn't talk a lot about his service in the war as I believe it was hard for him. The only thing I have are his discharge papers and several pictures. I have always wanted to share these pictures and see if anyone recognizes or knows some of the people in them. I believe that most of the pictures are stateside, but would be interested to verify some. Please let me know the best way to share them with you. I am going to attach a copy of his discharge papers and a couple pictures of him. My brother has all of my father's medals.

 

I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for this wonderful website and any other information you are able to share with me!

 

Sincerely,

 

Cynthia Gard-Hammond

Proud daughter of Clayton D. Gard

Veteran of World War II

 

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I added the documentary here on the 540th Memoirs page. Here's the doc:

 

http://www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com/doc...ge%20Papers.pdf