Clifford Leon Vandiver Written by his brother, Willis Vandiver

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Clifford was killed March 10, 1945 on Mindanao Island in the Philippines. The following are two letters written to Dad - thus closing the chapter on a young man's life - one we loved and respected.

Company B
162nd Infantry
A.P.O. 41

19 May 1945
Mr. James P. Vandiver
Green Acres, Washington

Dear Mr. Vandiver:

The war department has probably informed you by this time of the death of your son, Clifford, in action against the enemy in the Philippines. As his company commander, I wish to extend to you on behalf of myself and Clifford's many friends over here our sincere sympathy for we too, feel the loss of a friend and comrade.

Clifford met his death on the 10th of March while on the beach helping with rations for his unit, when a long range Jap artillery opened fire. A shell fell close to Clifford and he was instantly killed. Perhaps you may find some little relief in the knowledge that there was no pain or suffering. The following day he was given a simple Christian burial service in the United States Armed Forces Cemetery at Zamboanga, Mindanao, P.I.

I realize your great sorrow, and I want you to know that the loss of your son was deeply felt by his friends and comrades. Clifford was a well-disciplined soldier, and one that you and his country can well be proud of.

I do hope his passing will not dwell too much upon you though the void, I know, will be hard to fill. Please accept my, and all his other friends, heartfelt sympathy and do not hesitate to call upon me for any additional information that you may desire.

Sincerely, James M. Gray Capt., 162nd Inf. Commanding

2nd paragraph of letter from Chaplain - Vincent B. Appleton

Philippines 9 April 1945

Mr. James P. Vandiver
Greenacres, Wash.

Dear Mr. Vandiver,

In regard to the death of your son Clifford L. Vandiver, 39152247, S/Sgt killed in action on the 10th of March from shrapnel. The funeral services were held by Chaplain A. P. Lam, as I was unable to be present. He is buried in U.S.A.F. cemetery, Zamboanga, which has an attractive native bamboo fence around it which was erected by the Philipinoes and the cemetery is tended by them for the United States Government. He was dear to his men for they remember him as "always had a laugh and smile for almost everything," and was "one of the best liked boys in his company."

This letter, though dated May 19th, wasn't stamped out until June 25th. Jim read it July 2nd. Clifford's body was later moved to the cemetery in Manila. Lynn Barkdull (Clifford's nephew-in-law) took the picture of the cemetery at large in November 1981. Penny Quinn Walker (Clifford's grandniece) took the picture of Clifford's marker in September 1998.

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