Van Clief, Larry, SP 4

Young Buddies
Posted on 7/22/18 - by Nick Travis
 
Growing up in Brooklyn we were the best of buds. Somewhere I have a picture of you around 7 or 8 years old. The pic was lit up by your smile.
One day I decided to do a Goggle search and was dismayed ( to say the least ) you had been killed in the Nam. There was a picture of a squad near your APC. You could be picked out then as you could when we were little guys in Brooklyn: your smile lit up the area.
I served in Nam after you with the 2/28th Inf ( Black Lions ) 1st I.D.
REST EASY, BRO................
 
 
Final Mission of SP4 Larry Van Clief
Posted on 7/4/17 - by wkillian@smjuhsd.org
 
On July 21, 1966, Companies A and B and the Recon Platoon of 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, departed Cu Chi Base Camp for a search and destroy operation in the western end of the Filhol Rubber Plantation in Binh Duong Province, RVN. Several preselected objective areas were searched. At 1600 hours Company B became engaged in a fire fight. During the course of the fight, one of the M113A armored personnel carriers (APC) moved to attack from the right flank when a command-detonated mine was exploded. There were several cases of TNT and C4 explosives inside the carrier. When the mine detonated, it set off the explosives. The only thing left of the APC was the floorboard and the driver’s steering sticks. There were seven Bobcats in the APC at the time of the explosion. Most of their body parts were located and recovered from around the area. Some were not found. By 1700 hours Company A had closed with Company B and the units moved out of the area at 1800 hours heading for their base camp. It was noted in a medical evaluation report that there was difficulty identifying the remains of the seven men, who were mutilated when their track exploded. It suggested a careful search for remains should be made if tactically possible. After further searching, the positive identification of all remains was achieved. The seven lost Bobcats included SP4 David L. Berry, PFC James X. Gilch, SP4 Richard D. Gill Jr., PFC Samuel G. Harris, SP4 Leo E. Hinterlong, SSGT Wilberto C. Sanchez, and SP4 Larry Van Clief. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and bobcat.ws]
 
 
My Cousin
Posted on 5/28/17 - by Sharon
 
I think I only saw you once or twice, but I don't remember, I was just a small child. I remember spending time with your mom, Cousin Doris. Thank you for your bravery and service to our country...continue your Rest in Heaven, I'm glad I found your picture on this site...
 
 
Remembering An American Hero
Posted on 7/21/13 - by Curt Carter
Dear SP4 Larry Van Clief, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir
Curt Carter


SP4 Van Clief was a member of 2nd Platoon, B/1/5th Infantry, that got into a firefight while conducting operations in the Fil Hol Rubber Plantation. During the fight, an armored personnel carrier maneuvered to attack the enemy's flank. The APC was totally destroyed when a command-detonated mine set off TNT and C-4 explosives carried within the APC.

Seven men died in the incident:
SSG Wilberto C. Sanchez
SP4 David L. Berry
SP4 Richard D. Gill
SP4 Leo E. Hinterlong
SP4 Larry Van Clief
PFC James X. Gilch
PFC Samuel G. Harris

SP4 Van Clief was buried in Long Island National Cemetery, New York.