The family of Clifford Carlson has requested the Patriot Guard to pay Honors to this American Hero. It will be our Honor to do so.
Clifford was always brought up to be a hard worker and to be a very forgiving individual. He lived hard, and worked hard. Being brought up a Wisconsin farm boy he learned very quickly how to work the land, and how to build things with his hands out of practically nothing. Clifford also learned a lot working in a rock quarry in Milwaukee.
Clifford joined the Army Air Corp in Sept. 1942 and was honorably discharged on Sept. 1945. During that time he was assigned to a group of airmen that flew B-24 Liberators.
They were based out of Papua New Guinea and fought against the Japanese held islands in the Pacific. Clifford was a tail gunner. During one mission while on a bombing run,Clifford's plane was hit with a 90mm round. The round went thru the plane, went from the front of the aircraft and came out the back. It went thru Clifford's rear gun turret, blowing out not only the window that protected Clifford but took the top part of his seat with it. He still carried a part of the sheathing from the shell in a plastic bag up until the day he passed. He always told everyone he met that he had some first class mail delivered to him from Japan while he was en-route to his destination.
Clifford's crew was the only crew that flew 54 missions, had the same plane and never lost a crew member, even thou the plane was shot up numerous times, they always made it home. The name of his plane was the Kay - O... for "Knockout".
I have been, and always will be proud to call Clifford my friend...
Clifford leaves behind his wife Joanne.
Note: A little History on Clifford Carlson and his crew:
http://www.squadron283.org/?attachment_id=260NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time Table for Wednesday 01 APR 15: 1130 - Stage Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, Ca. 92518 (Family staging area # 1, PGR #8)
http://goo.gl/maps/Nr4Mk1145 - Mission Briefing
1200 - KSU to shelter for Honors of our Hero
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR - Ride Captainmokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please post your condolences on the National link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?401538
