Clement family visits Vietnam Memorial in Wise

During a recent visit to Wise County the family of Major James Wilford Clement visited the Vietnam Memorial that was constructed by Ray Carter on his property in Wise.

Clement’s children are, Jeffrey Clement, Mark Clement, Jana Clement (Ray) Flynn, Mike Clement and John Clement. The oldest was 16 years old and the youngest was four years old when their dad was killed in 1970.

Major James Wilford Clement was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievement while engaged in aerial flight. He served as a Pilot, Tactical Aircraft, and was assigned to the 20TH TAC AIR SPT SQDN, 504TH TAC AIR SPT GROUP, 7TH Air Force.

Clement was from Coeburn. Born: April 5, 1931, Served In: Vietnam, Casualty Date: March 11, 1970, Died In: Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam.

Ray Carter welcomes anyone who wants to come see the memorial constructed on his Rocky Fork Road property.

Carter took a notion to build a tribute to all Wise Countians who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam conflict.

All in all, 29 local men paid the ultimate price there in service to their nation.

Carter said he “got it into his mind” to build a memorial to remember all of those who didn’t make it home. He spent extensive time doing research and compiling the photos before beginning the process.

Carter built the monument out of manmade rocks and built the foundation out of found rocks. He credits Ron Norris for completing the metalwork, free of charge.