2Lt Clarence Lewis Dragoo

“Airman of keen judgement, who unselfishly gave his best for his country’s cause.” 2nd Lt. Clarence Lewis Dragoo, son of James and Stella Blanch Waggoner Dragoo, was born December 30, 1923 in Sandyville, WV. He was the second of four children. Clarence was very close with his siblings- older sister Dorothy; younger sister Bernice; and a younger brother, James Melvin. When asked about Clarence, Bernice always replies, “My brother, my best friend.” Clarence liked to play the guitar and sing in the Copperfork Community Church in Sandyville. Clarence also enjoyed reading and was interested in mathematics. Clarence attended Copperfork Grade School and graduated from Gilmore High School in May of 1941. While attending Gilmore High School, he was the treasurer of the FFA, the editor of the yearbook and was involved in the Drama Club. After high school, Clarence attended Capital City Commercial College in Charleston, where he served as the president of the Pi Rho Zeta fraternity. While in college, he was involved in the Drama Club and a member of a local band, which performed on Charleston’s WCHS Radio Station. Clarence also worked as a local bookkeeper. After two years, Clarence left college and joined the U.S. Air Corps. He was inducted in Huntington on January 19, 1943 and entered into active duty on January 26, 1943 at Fort Thomas, KY. Clarence accepted a commission and was appointed Second Lieutenant. Clarence left for overseas service on October 21, 1944. He was a member of the 716th Bombardment Squadron, 449th Bombardment Group. On February 28, 1945, Clarence, a Navigator aboard a B24J Liberator, carried out his last military combat mission with the Hansen Crew. They departed from Grottagile, Italy and flew towards their target- a railroad bridge in Northern Italy. While over the target, the aircraft sustained serious damage from enemy fire which knocked out two engines. The plane left formation, losing altitude and eventually crashing into the Adriatic Sea taking all 11 crew members with it. Clarence’s parents were notified he was MIA, but never lost hope their son would return home. But after 72 years, Clarence is finally returning to his native Jackson County soil to be laid to rest. For Clarence’s bravery and his sacrifice for his country, he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct and Honorable Service Lapel Button. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, James and Stella Blanch Dragoo; Sister Dorothy Dragoo Staats and Brother James Melvin Dragoo. Clarence is survived by his sister Bernice Dragoo Bruno of Camarillo, CA; Nephews Jimmie Staats of Sandyville, Larry Dragoo of Portland, OH, Roger Dragoo of Washington, WV; Nieces Sharon Dragoo Cleavenger of Parkersburg, Frances Dragoo Shamblin of Sissonville, and Barbara Dragoo Penwell of Junction City, OH; Sister-In-Law Evelyn Campbell Dragoo of Sandyville. Clarence is also survived by several great nieces and nephews. Full military service will be held at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley on Saturday, October 14th at 11 a.m. with visitation two hours prior to the service. Burial will be in the Independence Cemetery in Sandyville. Refreshments will be served at the Sandyville Senior Citizen building after the burial. All are invited to attend. The family of Clarence Dragoo would like to give a very sincere and heartfelt thank you to the multitude of individuals who are responsible for closing this final chapter of his life and bringing our war hero home.