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Clifford Ray Van Auken
Born: 2/1/1925
Died: 2/7/2011
Age: 86
Community: Swartz Creek, MI
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Van Auken, Col. Clifford R., age 85, originally of Michigan, passed away Monday, February 7, 2011. He was born on February 11, 1925 in Flint to parents Hazel and Clifford E. Van Auken. Col. Van Auken spent most of his life in the Flint area. He graduated from Durand High School in 1942 and immediately entered Alma College. When he turned 18 he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After basic training he was sent to Bradley Polytechnic University for further education, and then sent to Billings General Hospital for medical training. Col. Van Auken was sent to Europe as a combat medic, joining General Patton's Third Army, 4th Armd. Division, 10th Army Inf. Bn. that landed in France at Omaha Beach. He was involved in many battles advancing across France. In December, the 4th Armd. Div. was rushed to Belgium to relieve the 101st Airbourne Div. trapped in Bastogne. They drove to Bastogne and relieved the 101st on December 26th. Following this they continued to drive the Germans back to Germany. The 4th Armd. Div. continued to drive the February 23, 1945, Col. Van Auken was severely wounded while attempting to recover wounded forward of our lines. Of eight men, five were killed, and three seriously wounded. Col. where he was hospitalized at Percy Jones General Hospital in Battle Creek, MI. Seven months later he received a medical discharge and reentered Alma College.
Col. Van Auken's awards were the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Rhineland Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, United States Meritoritous Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Medal, Combat's Medics Medal, French Fouragere and Armed Forces Reserve Campaign Medal.
After leaving Alma he was called to active duty and spent 31 years in the military. After discharge he was given 100% disability because of combat war wounds. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, also a dedicated pilot.
He is survived by two daughters, Kim Caldwell (Tom) of Dallas, Texas, Randi Tyler (Tom) of Naples, Florida; eight grandchildren, Paul Harris, Abigail Tilley, Trent Tyler, Brandon Tyler, Zachary Tyler, Seth Caldwell, Travis Caldwell, Maxwell Tyler; and five great-grandchildren, Dublin, Collins, Bryden, Westin, Emerson. Another daughter, Cathy Van Auken preceded him in death in 1991. Military funeral services will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society or Veterans of Foreign Wars. Arrangements by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel 88138 Miller Rd. Swartz Creek. Online condolences may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com |
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