Cecil Roger Clayton

Cecil Roger Clayton of Fairbank grew up on his family’s farm. He was a graduate of Jesup High School in the class of 1967. Clayton dreamed of being a farmer throughout his life. He was drafted into the Army in April of 1969. Shortly after receiving his draft notice his father passed away. Clayton petitioned the draft office for a deferment to take over the family farm. Clayton grew up a gentle man who “never fired a rifle in his life.” Reluctantly, Clayton reported to induction and was sworn into the Army. He was sent Vietnam in September 1969. SP4 Clayton participated in the 1970 Cambodian Incursion with the 1st Air Calvary Division. He was wounded in November while fighting the Viet Cong near the Cambodian border. He received fragmentation wounds, yet returned to service. Cecil Clayton was killed on June 14, 1970 while on a military mission in Cambodia when he was hit by enemy fire. A funeral was held for SP4 Clayton at Zion American Lutheran Church and his body was buried at Garden of Memories, both located in Waterloo. He was 23 years old at the time of his death.