Clarence C. Murray Verified listing

Clarence C. Murray was born on 22 November 1918 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Little is currently known about his early family life, but by the time the United States entered the Second World War, Clarence was living in Indiana and became eligible for military service. He entered the U.S. Army on 10 December 1942, receiving the service number 35535816.

Military Training and Assignment

Clarence began his basic training in January 1943 at Camp Van Dorn, Centreville, Mississippi. After initial instruction, he was assigned to the 99th Infantry Division, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Headquarters Company.

His aptitude for communications was quickly recognized. From 24 May to 2 July 1943, Clarence trained at the 99th Infantry Division Radio School, completing the Field Radio Operating Course. He later continued divisional training at Camp Maxey in Texas.

Between 31 March and 4 July 1944, Clarence completed the Enlisted Communication Course, where he achieved a proficiency in International Morse Code at 16 words per minute. He then attended the Enlisted Radio Repairman Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, further strengthening his technical expertise.

Following his advanced training, Clarence rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, serving as a key communications specialist within the battalion’s headquarters.

Combat Service in Europe

Clarence deployed to the European Theater with the 99th Infantry Division and took part in the major campaigns of the division:

• Ardennes
• Rhineland
• Central Europe

As a communications NCO in Headquarters Company, Clarence was responsible for maintaining radio contact during movements, coordinating with adjacent units, and supporting the battalion during combat operations.

One recorded event describes Clarence driving a jeep equipped with field radios alongside another soldier during the liberation of a town. Upon their arrival, the town surrendered. Clarence encountered wounded German soldiers and several Eastern European forced laborers held in the area.

Later, Clarence took part in the liberation of one of the subcamps of Dachau, as well as the liberation of American prisoners of war. A notable account involves an abandoned train that had been strafed by American fighter aircraft. German guards had left behind the weakest and wounded prisoners while forcing the remaining captives on a march. Clarence’s unit was among the first to reach the surviving prisoners.

He continued serving through the division’s advance into Germany, remaining with the unit through Victory in Europe Day (VE-Day) and the early occupation period.

Postwar Service and Return Home

Clarence remained on occupation duty and was released from active duty on  25 January 1946.

Further details about his postwar life, his work, family, and personal background are still being researched.

Sources and Documentation

• Confirmed service number: 35535816
• Campaign credits: Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe
• Communications training records and qualifications
• Assignment to 393rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, HQ Company
• Family and personal accounts regarding liberation actions
• Division training locations: Camp Van Dorn, Camp Maxey, Fort Benning