Pictured above is a headstone placed in Highland Cemetery by the Chancellor family in honor of Clifton.
While waiting approximately twelve miles off the coast of Italy, they encountered ferocious winds and an unrelenting sea. Their ship was blown off course and into a minefield. Their collision with a mine caused an explosion. When this explosion came in contact with the gas and ammunition on board the ship, the ship began to sink. One hundred fifty members of this ship and the neighboring LCI-32 survived. Unfortunately, Clifton was not one of the survivors. He lost his life in this tragedy. Clifton was twenty three years old.
On August 2, 1944, after Ella Chancellor made several attempts at communication with the War Department, Clifton’s belongings were shipped to his family at home. His belongings included a wallet, lots of souvenir notes, souvenir coins, two souvenir pins, personal photos, and postcards.
A letter dated July 5, 1944 shows Ella Chancellor’s request for information about her son. She asks “If his body was recovered. Was he on land or sea when killed? Do you have his tag with serial number? Where and what action was he engaged in at this time?” On August 5, 1944 correspondence between the War Department and Ella show his family’s speculation that he might have survived and become a prisoner of war. It is unclear whether or not his body was recovered from the accident.
First to last: List of Clifton's personal belongings that were returned to the Chancellor family, a letter from the Memorial Division of the Department of the Army informing John Chancellor on the continued search for his son's body, a letter from John Chancellor inquiring the War Department for information on his son.
He was, however, memorialized at the Tablets of the Missing in the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery. He was also honored at Nettuno, Citta Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy. His family held a service for him at home and there is a plot for him in Highland Cemetery in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The inscription reads “In Memory of our dear Son and Brother Veteran of World War II Sgt Co 2nd Platoon 83rd Chemical Bn. Missing in action Anzio, Italy His Happy Soul is Gone to Rest Where Cares no More shall spoil his peace.”
Pictured above is the entrance to Highland Cemetery in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This is the location of the grave placed in remembrance of Clifton by his family.
Pictured above is Clifton's headstone in Highland Cemetery. The inscription reads "In memory of our dear son and brother. Veteran of World War II. Sgt Co 2nd Platoon 83rd Chemical Bn. Missing in action Anzio, Italy. His happy soul is gone to rest where cares no more shall spoil his peace."
Pictured above is the entrance to the Sicily Rome American Cemetery where he was memorialized at the Tablets of the Missing.
Pictured above are images of his memorials at Nettuno, Citta Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy