[colorado tanker]

The death of Col. Thomas ("Jock") Clifford was reported today, in combat near Davao City. He was a star football player at West Point.

We followed his exploits last November when he commanded the 1/34th Infantry in the Battle of Leyte.

On very short notice Clifford's Battalion was landed behind Japanese lines and ordered to take and hold at all costs Kilay Ridge, high ground dominating the Ormoc Valley, down which we were advancing. This was after three weeks of continuous combat. Often cut off and short on supplies Clifford's Battalion for three more weeks defeated every Japanese counterattack thrown at them.

Having read the details in the U.S. Army "Green Book" history of the Leyte Campaign, I think he was one of the finest small unit leaders in the Army in either Theater.

After Leyte, Clifford was promoted to Colonel and given command of the 19th Infantry. He died while characteristically leading the charge into Davao.

Here is a bio. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=131656965

[chajin]

Often cut off and short on supplies Clifford's Battalion for three more weeks defeated every Japanese counterattack thrown at them.

Sounds like CMOH stuff; at least he got the Silver Star.

Extraordinary courage was an everyday occurrence.