​​In 1964, Clarence graduated from Marshall High School in Angleton, TX where he was known as an exceptional academic student and a member of the varsity football team.  Following graduation, Clarence moved to Houston, TX and attended the University of Houston.  He majored in Chemistry with hopes of becoming a physician one day. In 1967, he was called to serve his country by the U.S. Army and trained as a Combat Medic in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX.  Later that year he was sent to Vietnam as a private First Class Combat Medic attached to the 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division.  On January 10, 1968 his Company A unit, was sent to the Mekong Delta on a patrolling mission where they took on mortar and rocket fire and were forced down into a rice paddy.  Despite being severely wounded, Clarence rendered medical aid to the wounded throughout the fight until he ran out of supplies, whereupon he began encouraging those who could to pick up their weapons and return fire so they could get out of there.  For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty,  Clarence was awarded the the United States Armed Forces highest military decoration, The Congressional Medal of Honor.  It was presented by President Nixon at the White House on March 7, 1969.  He also received The Distinguished Service Cross, which is the Army's second highest military decoration., The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.  

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In August of 1969, Clarence was awarded a scholarship to attend Texas A&M University where he majored in Chemistry.  He would later return home to Brazoria County to work in the petrochemical industry.  In 1977, he transitioned his employment from the petrochemical industry to serve fellow veterans at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/Houston Regional Office as a Decision Review officer.  Clarence believed in supporting veterans and assisting them to obtain their benefits.  He retired after 20 years of dedicated service.

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In 1998, Clarence with a group of Vietnam veterans, local citizens and landowners--the Rayford Williams Family, organized the Northwest Brazoria County Servicemen Association (NBCSA) whose purpose is to organize and conduct a Veterans Day Ceremony annually and provide support for veterans and the community. The mission is to foster patriotic enthusiasm in the USA, to encourage exhibition of faith in God and country and their institutions.

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Clarence was a lifelong resident of Brazoria County, a place he loved dearly.  He was Brazoria County's native son and proud of it.  He will be remembered with love and affection by his family, friends, fellow veterans and the many who have crossed his path on a well-lived life's journey.

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