Clarence West

Clarence B. West (Oct. 1, 1922 – Aug. 9, 1944) was a soldier from New River killed during World War II. He had a brother, Ray West, who was also killed during the war.

See Also: Scott Countians killed in war

Biography

Born Oct. 1, 1922, Clarence B. West was the son of Henry Claborn West (1893-1978) and Clara D. Phillips (1900-1985) of New River. His siblings included Ray West (1919-1945), Claude West (1924-1997), Kenneth West (1930-2015) and Evelyn Schmitz.

He was not married.

World War II

Pvt. West enlisted in the U.S. Army on Nov. 21, 1939 and was assigned to the 391st Field Artillery Battalion, 3rd Armored Division. When the 1940 census was taken he and his brother, Ray, were stationed at Fort Knox in Hardin, Ky. He was killed in France on Aug. 9, 1944. His regiment was engaged in supporting an attack by Combat Command B towards Le Mesnil-Tôve in Normandy that day.

Aftermath

Pvt. West’s parents were first informed by a telegram from the War Department that he was missing in action. A follow-up telegram on Aug. 9, 1944 informed them of his death. His body was returned home after the war for a dual funeral at Huntsville High School with his brother, Ray, on Sunday, Nov. 21, 1948. They were buried at Reed Cemetery in New River.

He received the Purple Heart. He is listed on the VFW Post 5669 Memorial Wall in Oneida, the Scott County Veterans Memorial in Huntsville, and the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial in Knoxville.