Charles Fisher Clendenin

A onetime Estherville resident Charles Fisher Clendenin graduated from Stewartville High School in Minnesota in the class of 1966. Later he attended Berea College in Kentucky. He was drafted by the Army in 1968. While in the service, Clendenin’s family resided in Shellsburg, IA and he made his home in Waynesville, North Carolina. He was married in December 1967. SGT Clendenin started a 12 month Vietnam tour in May 1969. He served as an armor reconnaissance specialist with the 34th Armored Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Just over five weeks into his tour he was killed in action. He died on June 29, 1969 from an accidental bomb blast in the Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star. His body was returned to the United States and buried at the Garrett – Hillcrest Memorial Park in Waynesville, North Carolina. SGT Clendenin was 21 years old at the time of his death.