MEMORIAL BIOGRAPHY FOR CLARENCE RAY “TURK” GROVE, WWII VETERAN
NEVER FORGOTTEN: Proudly Served our Country
Clarence Ray “Turk” Grove was born in Clifton Forge, VA on August 16, 1911.
He was drafted in March of 1944 at the age of 32. After reporting to Fort George G. Meade, MD on March 11, 1944; he transferred two days later to Fort Stewart, GA for basic training. He later reported to Camp Haan, CA on August 8, 1944. Other posts included Camp Howze, TX, October 1944, and then back to Fort George G. Meade, MD in January of 1945.
He was trained for anti aircraft replacement as part of Patton’s 3rd U.S. Army, 80th Division and was deployed aboard the Queen Elizabeth with 18,000 other troops arriving in England on February 6th, 1945.
Operations included the countries of Germany, Austria, France, England, and Czechoslovakia.
He departed England on December 3rd, 1945 and arrived in New York on December 21st, 1945 aboard the USS John Dickinson. “Glad to be back after being on the high seas for 18 days”: copied from notes in his service record. His official discharge was at Fort George G. Meade, MD on December 30th, 1945.
He received the Bronze Star Medal but we are not sure why since nothing was listed about it in his service record. Receiving the medal is confirmed by “BSM” engraved on his head stone.
He was welcomed home by his wife Dorothy Lillian Halleck Grove, Daughters Patricia “Pat” Ann Grove Liptrap, Nancy Claryce “Cattie” Grove Dame, and Victoria Ray Grove Saville. Grandchildren include Pam Liptrap, Sammy Ray Liptrap, Lorrie Liptrap, Chris Liptrap, Don Saville, Patrick Saville, and Michael Dame.
Turk passed away on November 20th, 1950 as the result of a hunting accident.
Created DHS 6-18-17