Clayton Ike Stevens
Era: Korea
Military Branch: Army
Clayton Ike Stevens served in the Korean War.
He joined the U.S. Army at Ottumwa, Iowa, on February 9, 1951. He was assigned to Company G, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He was wounded in battle on October 9, 1951, and was sent back to the United States.
He was discharged on June 30, 1952.
His rank was Private 1st Class.
Mr. Stevens was decorated with the Korean Service Medal with one star, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star Medal.
He was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of Ike and Valena Stevens, in 1932. He graduated from high school in 1949.
Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall veteran history form; veteran’s account and Purple Heart citation (below)
“My story is very short as I was only in Korea two months when I was wounded during battle (October 9th). I was sent back to the States, where I was in the hospital until my honorable discharge on June 30th, 1952.”
His official Purple Heart citation reads, in part, as follows:
“Under the provisions of AR 600-45, as amended, the following named enlisted man is awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received as a result of enemy action in Korea:
“Private First Class CLAYTON I. STEVENS, Company G, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Wounded in action 9 October 1951 near Chodulkal, Korea. Entered military service from Ottumwa, Iowa.”
“Private First Class CLAYTON I. STEVENS, Infantry, United States Army, Company G, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, is cited for heroism in action against an armed enemy on 8-9 October 1951, near HaMang-ni, Korea. When the enemy launched a fanatical attack on Company G’s position, Private STEVENS skillfully and accurately directed a steady flow of fire from his automatic weapon into the incoming hostile troops. When the supply of ammunition was completely depleted, he obtained a carbine and continued to hold his position in spite of the intense enemy fire. Although wounded, Private STEVENS stayed at his post until the unit was ordered to withdraw, and then was the last man to leave the area. . . .”
