Legion celebrates 75-year membership of WWII vet
CLARKE RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE -- Lester Clarke was recognized Mar. 10 for being a 75-year member of the American Legion. Clarke is originally from Wessington. He was once president of Northern State College and taught at Sisseton High School. ~American News photo by Kelda J.L. Pharris
By Kelda J.L. Pharris Aberdeen News
Lester Clarke remembers how he had to sleep on the deck of a Navy ship during World War II because it was safer than in the ship’s belly if a bomb or torpedo hit.
He and those he served with slept above board, doused in shark repellent, armed with a sheath knife and life vest. His on-person identification was a pay record tucked in - he glances around the room before continuing, “I think you can handle this,” - a condom. It was the only waterproof item available. Clarke sets the scene so well listeners can almost feel the waves and hear the bombs.
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Sisseton Courier
117 East Oak Street | PO Box 169 | Sisseton, SD 57262 | 605-698-7642
117 East Oak Street | PO Box 169 | Sisseton, SD 57262 | 605-698-7642
