Mike and H&S Companies             

Third Battalion, Fifth Marines

RVN, 1966 -1971

JOHN CLAIR

John Clair was the Commanding Officer of Mike Company during the middle months of 1969.  Sadly, he died of a heart attack in December, 2000.

Here is how Paul O'Connell, who served with John, remembers him:

"I am deeply saddened to hear that John Clair passed away. From about 1990 until around 1997 we wrote letters back and forth to each other. I have probably more than 30 letters from John. I never told him, but he had become like a father to me. He helped me so muchto understand Vietnam and what we really were doing there, and why we had to be there. He helped me sort out all the guilt I brought home with me. (and yet I feel some guilt right now because I did not know of his death earlier and could have attended his funeral, but because of his words over the years, the guilt will melt as the shock leaves me).

I know John had become very involved in his grandchildren. I know he had written many books. He even had written a Western. Somewhere I have a draft or two of a few of his books.

Twice we met for breakfast. For such a big rough, tough, marine, he was very kind. He helped me so much.

He will be missed. I will cherish the letters I have from him loaded with his Philosophy and outlook on life.

Semper Fi and God Bless John Clair"

Obituary