CLAYBOURN GUY R

LTC Guy R Claybourn was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 08/22/2010 at the age of 89.3
Palacios, TX
Date of Birth 05/13/1921
Served in the U.S. Army
This information was provided by SSN search Feb 2011

More detail on this person: Guy Raymond Claybourn Guy Raymond Claybourn Jr. was born 13 May 1921, in Palacios, to Guy R. Sr. and Blanche Kirkwold Claybourn, and died at home on 22 August 2010. He graduated in 1937 from Palacios High School. In 1939 he attempted to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corps but quotas were full. He worked as a carpenter's helper on construction at Camp Hulen, the camp being converted into an anti-aircraft training center. In December 1940 Guy traveled to Burbank, Calif., where he learned sheet metal work and began at Lockheed Aircraft working on the Lockheed YP-38 airplane, being promoted to leadman on the Fuselage/Center Section. He bought a bicycle instead of a car and used funds for flying lessons, beginning in August 1941. On 7 December 1941 he was making the pilot-license required solo cross-country flight; upon return to home base he was informed of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Thereafter all non-airline civil flying was grounded within 150 miles of the coast. In May 1942 he applied for the Civilian Pilot Training Program as an enlisted reservist, and was sworn in as a private at Fort Sill, Okla. on 17 October 1942. In January 1943 he reported to Waco Army Flying School for Liaison Pilot Rating check ride and was promoted to staff sergeant. In May 1943 he joined the 935 Field Artillery Battalion as a liaison pilot and remained with that group until September 1945. The battalion served in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. On 23 June 1944 he received a battlefield commission as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery. After remaining in Germany until March 1946, he was released to reserve status and began the "G.I." Bill study at the University of Houston, graduating with a bachelor's degree. In July 1951 he was recalled to active duty and joined the 999 Armored Field Artillery Battalion with the Eighth U.S. Army. He arrived in Korea in February 1952, joining the 204th Signal Battalion Aviation Section as a courier pilot until April 1953. Thereafter he served at Fort Monroe, Va., where he was promoted to captain. His service included duties at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in Missouri, Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, and Fort Belvoir, Va. He was promoted to major and served in Vietnam as a liaison and courier pilot, thereafter being assigned to Fort Wolters, Texas. He retired from USAPHS Fourth U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel in March of 1968. At his death, he may have been the only surviving veteran of three wars in Matagorda County. Guy was a Charter Member of the Army Aviation Association, the U. S. Army Association, the P-38 Association, the Washington Artillery Veterans Association, National Museum of the United States Army, and the Cecil Lee American Legion Post 649. He was a railroad 'buff' and enjoyed railroading around the country, being members of railroad associations and the Lone Star Region National Model Railroad Association. He was a founding board member of the Palacios Area Historical Association, serving terms as secretary, and thereafter as a many-talented volunteer. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Palacios, and served as greeter. He was a member of the Matagorda County Historical Commission and the County Museum. Survivors are his wife, Colleen T. Claybourn, of Palacios, and children, Clayton Alan Claybourn and wife Holly of Palacios, Carolyn Guilaine Goforth of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Sharon P. Burnham of Bastrop, Sarah L. Penland of Dale, and Rhoda P. Hart and husband Eddie of Cedar Creek. Also 14 grandchildren; sister, Joann C. Dyson of LaSalle, and brother, Jon N. Claybourn of Bay City; and numerous nephews and nieces and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marshall Claybourn and James Claybourn; and sisters, Marian Curran and Lura Nell Anders. Family visitation will be at 1511 Bayshore in Palacios from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Palacios at 2 p.m. on Aug. 28, with the Reverends Andy and Janell Blair officiating, and graveside following at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.p br/br/

Burial information: Hawley Cemetery, El Maton, TX

This information was last updated 08/26/2017

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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