Clinton Blair Fackrell
Clinton Blair Fackrell
Pictures are courtesy of his sister Nella Britt
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25th Infantry Division 23 year old Married, Caucasian, Male Born on Dec 07, 1942 In Longview Washington From WILLITS, CALIFORNIA Length of service 1 year. His tour of duty began on Jan 06, 1966 Casualty was on Apr 13, 1966 SOUTH VIETNAM HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE Body was recovered Religion PROTESTANT Panel 06E - - Line 109 |
| Dear Nella: My name is Ted Jagosz.
I was a First Lieutenant in Company B leading the 2nd Platoon at the time
of your brother's death. You can not imagine how gratified I am that
you have requested more information concerning your loss during the Vietnam
War. For years I have wanted to contact somebody from his family,
if only to tell them that Sgt Fackrell was one of the finest soldiers I
have ever met and a very decent and friendly human being. Although
Clinton was not a member of my 2nd platoon in B Company (he was a member
of 3rd platoon), I encountered him often at the Cu Chi base camp and even
a few times on the battlefield. We had more than a couple of conversations
at those time (I don't remember what about). When I saw him operating
in the field, I was always struck by his poise and professionalism.
He was
hard not to notice. If you look up the tribute I wrote for Lieutenant Frank D'Amico (Clinton's 3rd Platoon Leader), you will find some of the details of that fight and Clinton's actions on that day. In summary, Lt D'Amico was the first man to be hit by a sniper as he exited his vehicle. Clinton, three other men from 3rd Platoon and the Company Medic, Sp/5 Jimmie Scott, were all hit shortly after when they tried to lend assistance to Lt D'Amico or when they tried to maneuver against the enemy fire to neutralize it. As I said in the tribute, there is no greater love and dedication that a man, especially a soldier, can show than that he risk or even lose his life for the sake of his friends. This is the full measure of heroism and Clinton measured up to that standard. I believe that Clinton was a non-denominational Protestant Christian but I have been thinking that it might be some consolation to his family if they knew that during his last moments on earth he did receive the Last Rites of the Catholic Church minutes after he was hit. I observed Fr (Cpt) Clarence Olszewski, our unit Chaplain administering this Sacrament to all of our fallen that day. It is our belief that this affords the recipient a 1st Class ticket to Paradise. Fr. Olszewski, with whom I still communicate to this day, has often shared with me expressions of the high esteem he had for Sgt Clinton Fackrell. Be assured he is remembered and missed by all of us who held him in such high regard. I hope this has been helpful to the family and be assured that I keep all of my comrades in arms and their families in my prayers. With best regards, I wish God's blessings on all of you. Theodore (Ted) Jagosz, Cpt Inf (USAR) |
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If you have anything to add to Clinton's
tribute please email it to Randy@Bobcat.ws*
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- 5th Infantry Chapter