Patrick Cleburne “Clebe” McClary was raised on a 10,000-acre plantation in the South Carolina Low Country. Young Clebe grew up hunting, fishing and excelling at sports. After fulfilling his dream of becoming a college coach, Clebe had plans to marry a beautiful Southern belle. Life was very good. But only weeks before the wedding (March 26, 1967), Clebe witnessed a startling event on a college campus that changed the course of his life forever – the burning of an American flag by students protesting the Vietnam conflict.
Dismayed by the lack of support for the country he loved, Clebe resigned from his coaching position and volunteered for duty in the Marine Corps.
Completing Officers Training School in Quantico, Virginia, First Lt. McClary said goodbye to his bride and became platoon leader of the 1st Recon Battalion in Vietnam. On his 19th recon patrol, deep in hostile territory, Clebe and his unit engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. Suffering devastating injuries, which included the loss of his left arm and left eye, Clebe continued to lead his men.
Clebe’s valiant battle with the pain and disabilities that followed is nothing short of amazing. He spent over two years in military hospitals, undergoing over 30 major surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy. Since then Clebe has used his powerful story of courage, determination, and strength to motivate audiences the world over.
Awards and Honors
The Silver Star
The Bronze Star
Three Purple Hearts
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Personalities of the South
The Audie Murphy Award
The J. Frank Grimes Award
The American Legion Award
The Texas Man of Valor Award
The Young Man of the Year Award
The Eisenhower People to People Award
The George Washington Medal of Freedom
The Outstanding Young Man of America Award
The Gen. Omar Bradley Spirit of Independence Award, in honor of all Vietnam veterans
The Order of the Palmetto, the highest honor a civilian can receive from the State of South Carolina, bestowed by Governor David Beasley
The George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award (2013)
Game Plan For Life is a podcast and radio program hosted by Skip Hall. Tune in every Saturday morning on KSPD AM 790 and 94.5 FM on Boise's Solid Talk at 10:00 AM in the Boise, Idaho area. Skip is the former head football coach at Boise State University. During 30 years in coaching, his teams went to 12 bowl games, including 3 Rose Bowls and the Orange Bowl.
Through interviews with coaches, players, business and ministry leaders, Skip seeks to show the importance of having a game plan in order to succeed in all areas of life.
Podcast website: https://www.790kspd.com/game-plan-for-life/
28 mins