Charles Clanton graduated from Furman University, was commissioned an Armor 2nd Lieutenant, and served nine years in the U.S. Army Reserve. Upon his graduation from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and ordination as a Southern Baptist minister, he was brought onto active duty as a Chaplain, where he would remain for the next 26 years. He was first assigned to Vietnam from 1967 – 68 as the Squadron Chaplain of the 3/5th Cavalry, and Division Support Command Chaplain, 9th Infantry Division. He then returned from 1969 – 70 as the 5/7th Battalion Chaplain and 2nd Brigade Chaplain in the 1st Cavalry Division. Later assignments included Division Chaplain, 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Bad Kreuznach, Germany; III Corps and Installation Chaplain, Fort Hood, Texas; Commandant, U. S. Army Chaplain Center and School, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; and culminated as the Command Staff Chaplain, U. S. Army Forces Command, Fort McPherson, Georgia, where he assigned all religious support for Operation DESERT STORM. Upon his retirement he was named the Honorary Colonel of the Chaplain Regiment. He served two years as President of Fork Union Military Academy, Fork Union, Virginia, before moving to Charleston, South Carolina, and serving seven years as Chaplain to the Corps of Cadets at The Citadel. He then moved to Sumter, South Carolina, where he served as Chaplain of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office; then Interim Pastor, Croswell Baptist Church; and finally as Interim Pastor and Pastor of Senior Adults, First Baptist Church, Sumter, South Carolina.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)Batallion:
3d SquadronRegiment:
5th Cavalry RegimentDivision:
9th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
June 12, 1967
Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 4481 (September 5, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Charles T. Clanton, United States Army, for gallantry in action involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Chaplain Clanton distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 June 1967, while serving as Chaplain with a platoon of Troop B, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, traveling through dense jungles near Binh Than, Vietnam. Chaplain Clanton was aboard an armored personnel carrier when, without warning, the Viet Cong launched an ambush. The attack was characterized by recoilless rifles, anti-tank weapons, and small arms fire that seriously wounded the platoon leader and several non-commissioned officers. Chaplain Clanton, in total, selfless disregard for his own personal safety, moved from vehicle to vehicle, rendering physical and spiritual comfort to the wounded. As he continued his daring efforts, he realized that the platoon was without a leader and that the friendly force was in danger of being overrun. Chaplain Clanton courageously took his place on the command vehicle and, while directing maximum placement of suppressive fire, maneuvered the column out of the killing zone and clear of the ambush. Simultaneously, he called for artillery and gunship support. Because of Chaplain Clanton’s intrepid actions, the Viet Cong were soon routed. Chaplain Clanton’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with a hostile force are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.