General Frank Bowman presenting the Soldiers Medal to Sgt. Clayton McGraw

 

Clayton McGraw, Veteran of the Korean War, Travels to Washington D.C.

 

Clayton McGraw, veteran of the Korean War, and his wife, Elizabeth visited many memorials in Washington D.C. on a trip arranged by Ralph Hall's office. Clayton McGraw received the Soldiers Medal, for saving a man's life in the Korean War in 1954 . Clayton returned from the trip saying "It was the best time I had in my life!" While they were there Clayton was able to meet and spend the day with the man he saved, William H. Roby. It had been over 56 years ago when Clayton had pulled William out of the river while he was being dragged down by a current.

 

"On or about the 9th of July 1954, 1000 hours, while the second platoon of Company "L" 23rd Infantry Regiment was engaged in a training problem consisting of Platoon as the Advance Guard, I, Pfc. William H. Roby, US 52246923, Company "L" nearly lost my life drowning. Enroute to our objective, we had to ford a river. This was very difficult for me because the river was very swift and treacherous. Heavy continuous rains for the previous few days made the river rise above normal level and caused a swift undercurrent. To add to the ordeal I could not swim. I slipped and was carried downstream with the undercurrent. At the first opportunity to speak, I called for Cpl. Clayton R. McGraw, US 55327115, Company "L", 23rd Infantry Regiment, my squad leader, to help me. Cpl. McGraw jumped into the raging river and pulled me to safety. If it had not been for McGraw, I have no idea how I would have survived the raging river"

-William H. Roby

 

"Due to the condition of the river, I feel this was one of the bravest acts I have ever witnessed"

- Pvt Norbert T. Kinnick

 

 

 

 

 

While Clayton and his wife were in Washington they were able to visit all the Veterans Memorials along with the Vietnam Wall, Air and Space Museum, and the Embassy Row. While they were at the Arlington National Cemetery, Clayton was able to witness The Changing of the Guard. At the National Cathedral, they gazed at the 134 stained glass windows along with learning that the Woodrow Wilson resting place was in the Cathedral. They were also able to see the plane that Orville and Wilbur Wright built and flew. Another remarkable experience Clayton told was when they went to tour the Washington Monument a lady had thanked him for his service in the war. After learning about how Clayton had saved a man's life, they were able to go to the top of the Monument without standing in the long line of people waiting to go up.

 

The Criteria of the Soldier's Medal: The Soldier's Medal is awarded to any person of the Armed Forces of the United States, or of a friendly foreign nation who while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, distinguished him/herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. The performance must have involved personal hazard or danger and voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of having saved a life.

 

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