Notes for: Clifford Carroll "Jack" Corder

Clifford C. Corder was best known as "Jack" Corder, farmer, teacher, soldier, patriot.

Despite having four deferments, being an employed school teacher 36 years of age, operating a working farm, and having two sons, he volunteered for the WW II draft. He was drafted on March 23, 1944. He did his basic training at Camp Walter, Fort Worth, Texas. From there he was shipped overseas, disembarking at Le Havre, France. He then became engaged in the European Theater, the Rhineland, Germany, and as far east as the fighting took place.

Although he talked very little about the war, he did say a few things. With regard to reaching the easternmost fighting, he said that he could hear the Russian guns shelling the Germans, and he saw the German people with bare belongings running west away from the hated and dreaded Russians. He also commented that whenever in a combat zone and a religious service was offered, it didn't matter whether it was a Rabbi, Priest or Chaplain... he would attend.

Jack served in the 97th Combat Infantry Division of the 3rd Army as an ammunition handler and demolition specialist. Regarding his opinion of General George Patton, Jack considered him a "no good --- son-of-a-bitch." Jack's military citations: European Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, American Theater Service Ribbon, World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantryman Badge (his most cherished one). He received his "Ruptured Duck" (honorable discharge) on November 20, 1945, at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. In his retirement years, always a true patriot, he always flew in his front yard an American flag.