Vietnam War hero shares gripping life story

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Joshua Higgins | Former Marine and decorated Vietnam War veteran Patrick Cleburne "Clebe" McClary, III, speaks to attendees of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group Ball.  

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

11.27.2006

Story by Cpl. Bryan Peterson 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

By Lance Cpl. Bryan A. Peterson
III Marine Expeditionary Force PAO

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -- Since 1st Lt. Patrick Cleburne "Clebe" McClary, III was told by doctors he would never walk again due to wounds he received during the Vietnam War, he has run marathons and set treadmill test scores that members of the Dallas Cowboys have been unable to beat.

The highly decorated Vietnam veteran turned world-renowned motivational speaker visited Okinawa Nov. 1-7 to share his story with service members and, more importantly to him, thank them for keeping the United States a free nation during this time of war.

During the visit, the Silver Star and Bronze Star recipient visited with service members at various locations including the Camp Hansen United Services Organization and Kadena Air Base's Keystone Theatre. He was also the guest of honor at the III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group Marine Corps Ball.

"(Marines) are fighting a tough enemy right now," McClary said during his presentation. "They are making progress despite what the civilian media is reporting. They shouldn't be discouraged when they come home and hear people bad mouthing them for what they are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan."

When McClary was contacted to be the guest of honor for the III MEF Headquarters Group ball and to speak to the troops here by Cmdr. Manuel A. Biadog, III MHG chaplain, it was an easy decision to accept, McClary said. He already planned to be in Okinawa to speak at the Okinawa Franklin Graham Festival put on by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

"It's a funny thing about me coming here," he said. "I was originally coming here to speak alongside Franklin Graham. I was contacted by the chaplain here to come talk with the Marines and sailors, so aside from the festival, I knew my off time would be well spent."

His story is one of determination. In 1968, McClary was on his 19th reconnaissance mission when he was critically wounded. He and his men were attacked by the communist Vietnamese enemy, ultimately engaging in hand-to-hand combat. After he was pulled out of the fight, he suffered the loss of his left eye, left arm and sustained severe wounds to his left leg caused by shrapnel from a grenade.

McClary subsequently endured 34 reconstructive surgeries. For his actions of bravery and dedication to his men, he was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts.

"I didn't plan on living my life like this, not to say it's a bad thing," he said. "To me, it was like getting your legs knocked out from under you and looking up. It was then that God became a part of my life. Sure I was down, but not out. I wouldn't let these injuries ruin my life."

He said his war experience is something he hopes Marines and sailors never have to endure. He added no matter the outcome, they should keep a positive attitude and drive on.

"The places I've been were crazy," he said. "I just wish that if these (service members) are placed in a hostile area, that they just remain strong, keep alert and have a good mindset about what they are doing."

One of the many Marines who attended breakfast at the USO said McClary was a very intense, forward person who didn't hold back. "I have been to speeches before where the speakers aren't very exciting," said Lance Cpl. William Simpson, a ground radio intermediate repairer with 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. "He had our attention the moment he got in front of us. It's amazing he has accomplished so much after all he has been through."

McClary has been a public motivational speaker for more than 17 years. He has traveled more than 2.5 million miles across the globe to share his story of courage, determination and dedication. He says with every presentation, if his message reaches one person, he has accomplished his goal.

"I feel I have to give back," he said. "Life has been a blessing to me and my goal is to tell everyone, if you're down, press on, regardless."

• Date Taken: 11.27.2006
• Date Posted: 11.27.2006 09:33
• Story ID: 8370
• Location: CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP