"I've never met this man, nor am I even from his generation. Truth be told, I encountered his story in the 'Vietnam in HD' series. His story, his face and the circumstances he went through are all branded in my mind for some reason, as if I knew him from another life. As young man, he went through a lot and his courage, selflessness and sacrifice is something I find deeply, deeply admirable. RIP, honorable Clinton. "
In loving memory of
Clinton Dale Poley
July 30, 1942 - April 25, 2020
Clinton Dale Poley, 75, of Ackley, Iowa, passed away April 25, 2020, at this home in Ackley. He was born July 30, 1942, in Hampton, Iowa, to Herman and Dorothy (Muller) Poley. Clinton graduated from Ackley High School in 1960. He was affiliated with the St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Geneva and a member of Amvets, American Legion, and VFW.
Clinton served in the United States Army in the Republic of Vietnam as an assistant machine gunner, 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry in the Ia Drang Valley. He was discharged from the service in 1966 and went home to Iowa and the family farm. Poley was judged seventy percent disable due to the wounds suffered in LZ X-Ray. Poley, a bachelor lived alone on this farm outside Ackley, Iowa. In 1990, wrote this about his life, "Some might ask why I haven't forgotten about Vietnam after all these years. Every night I rub a towel over all my scars and see them in the mirror. I think of all those guys killed in action, wounded in action, and their friends, their relative, and all those altered lives. How could I forget? It's not so much what we went through as it is knowing what the other guys went through. They died dirty. They died hot, hungry and exhausted. They died thinking that their loved ones would never know how they died. I'm so proud to have been there and so proud of the guys who were there with me. I fought for this country and now I own and farm 120 acres of my country. To me, that seems proper, and just and so right."
Clinton was wounded three times at LZ-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley from November 14-17, 1965. Forty-two of the 106 men in his company died during that battle. For his service, on May 3, 1966, Clinton Poley was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in ground combat. On December 14, 1965, Poley received the Purple Heart for wounds received on 15th November 1965 in Vietnam. Clinton Poley was a very private person. He was highly intelligent, a wonderful writer and a war hero. He loved motorcycles and cars - especially his Corvette.
Clinton is survived by his sister Marilyn Poley of Hampton. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Tributes
"I can't believe I didn't hear about the death of this Hero, Clinton Dale Poley, One of Many from the Ia Drang Valley. RIP Sir and Thank You for your service.. From a British Army & Iraq Veteran if the famous Desert Rats. Stuart Reeve"
"RIP Air Cav Trooper. Saw your exploits in the book We were soldiers....and young. RIP"
"My deepest sympathies and prayers to you, your family, and all those brave souls who served and died in Vietnam. I just started watching Vietnam in HD. My Step Dad, Thomas Vonnahme also served in the air cav and was seriously wounded in 69. He didn?t talk much about his war experience, even though as a young boy, war stories and history fascinated me. I came across your profile in the series, and felt drawn to know more about a fellow Iowan, veteran, and farmer, like my step dad. It is with great sadness that I found out you just recently passed away. My step dad passed away several years ago, from complications from his service. I find myself watching this Vietnam series to better understand what you and my step dad went through. I am glad that your memory will live on through this series, and that the next generations will hopefully understand that war is hell and remains with you for a life. Thank you for your service Mr. Poley, you will be remembered on Memorial Day."
"Thank you for your service, Clinton Poley! I never knew you but wish I had. Men like you fought for people like me, and I thank you. May you rest in peace, for now your tiresome walk on Earth is done. "
"Welcome home Clinton, time to rest - Those of us left, willl tell the stories of heroism, suffering, and the power of one true man - Raven6 65 - 93"
"I never met Clinton. The night before my father's death Clinton talked on the phone with my father for hours and relived the battle of the Ia Drang all those years ago. That was the first time I ever heard my father mention anything about it. I'm so glad for my father to have that conversation. I am sure it gave him a little peace. I hope they find each other in heaven. Prayers to the family!! Thank you for your service Clinton. You will always be a true Hero !!! "
"I first met Clinton in 1989 at a Fort Hood reunion. We've been friend ever since and we spent hours on the phone. talking about everything. He was a gentle giant, I'm so sorry that he is not with us....I look forward to seeing Clinton again some day at Fiddlers Green. Garry Owen! Rest in Peace my friend."
"Clinton and I talked often over the years since returning from our time in Vietnam with the First Cav and also at some of our reunions. He was a very kind and caring person. His pain has ended now and may he rest in peace."
"I got to know and become close friends decades after our Army service. He was clever and his only wish was privacy. He "rode" F/B by means he never explained. I knew better than to ask. We kept in touch by fone, online, and reunions. The biggest and true compliment I can attribute to Clint is he was Clinton Poley, his OWN person, like or not. I liked it. So did many many others."
"I didn?t know Clinton but I read about the battle he was in in Hal Moore?s book ?We Were Soldiers Once and Young.? What a brave young man he was. People like Clinton Dale Poley are what makes this country so great! May God rest his soul. "
"Rest In Peace fellow brother in arms."
"Thank you for your service Clinton. Although, I did not know you well and only had a few interactions, it was always nice to talk with you. Your sister will miss your visits."
"I did not know you personally, but from the bottom of my heart I thank you for your service to our country. May you rest in peace. "
"I remember Clinton on Sunday afternoons in Renken's 66 when I worked. He would come in and spend idle time talking with everyone that came in . I fondly remember his tv set up in his car. He was a kind and caring person. Dale Dohlman "
"Thank you for your service. This country owes you a great deal of gratitude. The words you wrote about your life seems like you had found peace in your life which is testament to what a great american patriot you are. I only wish I could have met to pay proper respect. Rest in Peace Sir. respect yours, Randy Kramer"
"We owe our freedom to men like Clint Poley"
"I personally did not know him, but I would like to say Thank You for your service and may you R.I.P. US Army Retired 1974- 1996"
"Our families were good friends growing up, Clinton was the awesome smart big brother always respected. Love the Plendl's "
"He was a war hero, and a good man. Always told me stories of the snakes and spiders at Vietnam when I was a kid. I?ll never forget him. "
"I served with in the army he was my assistant gunner in Vietnam he was a fine young man we had lots of fun together sorry for the loss. I will always remember him. James clement @ Margaret Comer "