Prisoner Of War During Vietnam Was Longtime Machinist With Norfolk Southern (Claude McClure)

Claude Donald McClure, Sr., 78, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on March 6, 2019, after a long battle with cancer.

Claude was born in Chattanooga, on Nov. 25, 1940, to the late James Donald McClure and Agnes Hartsfield McClure. Claude was baptized at Second Missionary Baptist Church at an early age.

Claude, a proud veteran, valiantly served in the US Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, in Vietnam reaching the rank of sergeant. During Vietnam, he spent two years as a prisoner of war. Upon his release from this ordeal, he returned home a hero and continued to serve his country in the Army for several more years.

Claude went on to graduate from Chattanooga State where he received a degree in Civil Engineering. He also furthered his education at UTC and went on to work for Norfolk Southern for over two decades as a machinist up until retirement.

Claude was known by family and friends as a kindhearted and peaceful man with a quiet strength that enriched the lives of anyone he came in contact with.

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