Clarence Vinson, Delaware, WWI

The Story Of One... The Story Of Many

Serving among the chaos of World War I was 28 year-old Clarence Vinson of Lebanon, Delaware.

An ordinary life by all appearances: a fisherman’s son, a young man who worked the waters and lived quietly alongside his parents.

Called to serve in 1917, Clarence trained briefly before being sent to France: to the 312th Infantry Regiment, part of the 78th Division - where the war was reaching its most violent crescendo.

In October 1918, near the village of Granpré, his unit advanced under devastating machine gun fire.

During the battle, Private Clarence Vinson was struck.
As he was carried from the field, with shells still falling around them, he is said to have asked those helping him to put him down.

To seek shelter… to save themselves.

Eight days before the guns of WWI fell silent, on November 3, 1918,
Clarence died of his wounds.

He never saw the peace he helped secure.

In recognition of Vinson’s service and sacrifice, the Camden Delaware Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3238, was dedicated in his honor in March 1935.

Larry Josefowski, incoming commander of the Clarence Vinson/John Chason VFW post, reflected on Vinson’s life and legacy.

“Vinson’s story, of one giving his life for his country, is a story that has been 1.6 million times our country’s history,” he said.

“Our post is co-named for him as an honor for his sacrifice, but also as a reminder that we must not forget that sacrifice and the sacrifices made by all who answered our nation’s call.”

Tonight, we honor all the young Americans, just like Clarence Vinson... who crossed the seas to fight for Freedom, and for our nation, and who never came back.

We will not forget all you did for future generations, and for us.