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"Moose,’' as Clayton was affectionately known by a host of friends, was born on 9 January 1938 to Clayton John Mansfield, USMA ’28 and Elsie von Hof Mansfield in the Norton Infirmary at Louisville, Kentucky. Clayton Sr. was killed in action in Europe on 9 January 1945.</p>
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Beloved Son and Brother:</p>
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It has been eleven months since enemy action in Vietnam claimed your life just prior to your return to a stateside assignment and, like your late father, you, too, have made the supreme sacrifice for each of us that this nation and all other nations might be free and unfettered to enjoy life as He taught us that life should be lived.</p>
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In February your mother, your sister Claire, and I accepted, with greatest honor and deep humility, the medals that you earned so gallantly during eleven months in Vietnam (from our mutual friend, General Ed Smith). It was an outstanding, traditional Army ceremony at the Headquarters of the 82d (All-American) Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.</p>
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Your uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Russell C. Mansfield, and many of your friends and classmates attended this ceremony.</p>
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In your modesty you had not told us about the award of the Air Medal (for your more than twenty-five missions into hostile territory) or the Vietnamese award of the Callantry Medal with Silver Star by the Government of the Republic of Vietnam.</p>
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You will be pleased to learn of two outstanding events. First, we have established a permanent memorial to you, honoring your outstanding devotion to duty and country in the First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu. your last church of membership. Your mother, as you know, was instrumental in establishing this church, the first Presbyterian church in Hawaii.</p>
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Then, there was a letter from your First Captain—and dear friend—Pete Dawkins: “...No amount of thought can reveal an adequate way of explaining the loneliness that comes with the loss of a wonderful friend and a warm and talented human being... I know my life is richer for having known Clayton.” Peter’s letter is typical of the hundreds we received from your many friends and admirers who sent words of sympathy to us.</p>
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Our life was richer because of you, too.</p>
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Your Dad</p>
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Captain Mansfield is survived by his wife Suzanne; his stepfather and mother, Lt. Col. and Mrs. Eugene Smith; a sister, Claire S. Mansfield; and an uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Russell C. Mansfield.</p>