The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Clay Samuel Turnham, who died in the service of his country on July 1st, 1967 in Quang Ngai, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Booby Trap (Wounded 6/30/1967). At the time of his death Clay was 20 years of age. He was from Independence, Missouri. Clay is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 22E, Line 93.
The decorations earned by PFC Clay Samuel Turnham include: the Combat Medical Badge, the Bronze 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.
Clay is buried in the Mount Washington Cemetery/ 614 Brookside/ Independence, MO.
For meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. During June 1967 Private First Class Turnham distinguished himself while serving as a Medic with Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry. While assigned to Company C, Private First Class Turnham administered many special and varied types of medical aid to the men in the company. Realizing the vital nature of his duty, he devoted much time and effort to improving his proficiency. He quickly became trusted and was relied upon by every member of the unit. He was mortally wounded by the detonation of a mine on 30 June 1967. Private First Class Turnham's outstanding service and dedication to the well-being of his fellow soldiers are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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