The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, 1SG Clifton Ballantyn Bergman, who died in the service of his country on October 14th, 1967 in Quang Tin Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Booby Trap (Claymore Mine). At the time of his death Clifton was 37 years of age. He was from Spotsylvania, Virginia. Clifton is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 27E, Line 108.
The decorations earned by 1SG Clifton Ballantyn Bergman include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Clifton is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, Syracuse,NY. He also saw service in the Korean War.
(His Silver Star Citation)
Award Of The Silver Star
For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 October 1967 First Sergeant Bergman distinguished himself while serving as First Sergeant of Company C, 1/35th Infantry on a search and destroy operation near Thanh Hoa. The main body of the company was setting up a perimeter defense when enemy forces opened fire from concealed positions. One platoon immediately began maneuvering to one flank of the area where the enemy fire had broken-out. First Sergeant Bergman saw that some of the men hesitated to move in the face of the intense enemy fire. He quickly moved to the front of the platoon, rallied the men, and drove forward with them through the heavy fire against the enemy positions. Witnessing First Sergeant Bergman's exceptional display of valor, some of the more inexperienced personnel who had wavered in the initial contact began to advance, seeking out the sources of the enemy fire and engaging the enemy aggressively. Once, when the increasing hostile fire forced the platoon to halt, it was First Sergeant Bergman's leadership and personal example which enabled the platoon to resume its forward motion. The platoon was returning to its original position when one of the men tripped an antipersonnel mine which seriously wounded First Sergeant Bergman. Ignoring his painful condition, he continued to direct his men, inspiring them by his courage and causing them to forget their individual hardships and work as a team. First Sergeant Bergman later succumbed to his wounds, but by his heroic actions he had solidified the company's will to fight at a decisive moment and thus ensured the defeat of the enemy. First Sergeant Bergman's gallantry is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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