Clifford McKennan was born on June 10, 1946. He grew up in Point Pleasant, NJ, with his siblings – Sweeny, Harry, Beechie, Janice, and Ellen. His home of record is Point Pleasant, NJ. Many said that Clifford was an individualist who was ahead of his time. He was a talented football player, with a pleasant disposition who could easily strike up a conversation with anybody. He attended Point Pleasant Borough High School where he was a member of the football team.

At the age of 19, Clifford entered the US Army a few days before Christmas. He trained at Fort Benning, GA, and Fort Dix, NJ. He soon attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC). Soon he was assigned to the 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.

On March 20, 1966, McKennan’s unit was on night patrol search-and-destroy in South Vietnam. Clifford had volunteered to be last in line. He had nearly crossed the post line when he was shot in the back by a sniper’s bullet. He had been in the Army just three months.

McKennan was posthumously awarded the Military Merit Medal and the Gallantry Cross with Palm.

He is buried at Whitelawn Cemetery in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.

Sources: Sweeny McKennan (brother), newspaper clippings and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024