Clifford J. Cordray

These awards are based on the information below and per applicable DoD Directives and Awards Manuals:
Bronze Star Medal Awarded to individuals who, while serving in the United States Armed Forces in a combat theater, distinguished themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight.
Purple Heart Medal Awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Forces, after April 5, 1917, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may hereafter die of wounds received in action against an enemy of the United States.
U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal Awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal military service. It is awarded on a selective basis to each Soldier who distinguishes himself or herself from among his or her fellow Soldiers by their exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active Federal military service.
American Defense Service Medal Awarded for service between September 8, 1939 and December 7, 1941 under orders to active duty for a period of 12 months or longer.
American Campaign Service Medal Awarded for military service within the American Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946. (5)Within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of 1 year.
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Awarded for military service with the Asiatic-Pacific Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946.
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Awarded for military service for service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater between December 7, 1941 and November 8, 1945.
World War II Victory Medal Awarded for military service between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946, both dates inclusive.
 Note that this list may not include all awarded medals, devices, unit citations or qualification badges.
 **It is highly likely but unconfirmed that 1SG Cordray was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal.

Documents, Forms and Resources Found or Not Found:
No  ABMC Form 1, Headstone Inscription And Interment Record
No  Eyewitness Statement or Report
No  Memorial Marker Photo
Yes National Archives Database, Enlistment Records
No  Official Regiment or Division After Action Report
No  Photo of veteran
Yes Washington Newspaper Obit, Notice, or Report
No  WWII Draft Card Data
Yes WWII Hospital Admission Records

American Battle Monuments Commission Data
Clifford J. Cordray
Service # 6235012
Unit 321st Infantry Regiment, 81st Infantry Division
Rank First Sergeant U.S. Army
Entered Service From: Washington
Date of Death: October 4, 1944
Status: Buried At Sea
Memorialized: Walls of the Missing
 Manila American Cemetery and Memorial,  Philippine Islands
Awards:
 Bronze Star, Purple Heart

WWII Draft Card Data
  None Found

WWII Hospital Admission Records
Name: Clifford J. Cordray
Race: White, includes Mexican
Rank: Enlisted Man
Admission Age: 39
Birth Date: abt 1905
Admission Date: September 1944
Discharge Date: October 1944
Diagnosis:
  First Location: Abdomen, generally;
  Second Location:: Forearm;
  Causative Agent: Bullet, Missile Not Stated
Injury Type: Casualty, battle
Injured in Line of Duty: In line of duty
Type of Discharge: Died
Length of Service: 17 years
Service Number: 06235012

Note 1: The death location, "Off Shore Near Peleliu Island" is based on the best information available at this time. In the case of 1SG Cordray, this location was estimated on:

A. The American Battle Monuments Commission website identifies his assigned unit as the 321st Infantry Regiment, 81st Infantry Division.

B. At the time 1SG Cordray Died of Wounds, the 81st Infantry Division was conducting combat operations on Palau Island during September and October 1944.

C. Hospital Admission Records indicate that 1SG Cordray was wounded in September and died on October 4, 1944. It is likely that his Hospital Admission would have been aboard a Hospital Ship in the area of Peleliu Island.

D. Military members that died aboard Hospital Ships prior to securing the Island of Peleliu would by necessity have been buried at sea.

E. Further information on the 321st Infantry Regiment and the 81st Infantry Division can be found at the Wikipedia website 81st Infantry Division.

Anyone with additional information or a more specific location is welcomed and encouraged to submit an email to: ww2updates@withmilitaryhonors.com.

The following information on this casualty is sourced from The National Archives Database:
 Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946 (Enlistment Records)

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