Marine First Lt. Clare V. Vanden Broek, 24, 914 Fairmont Street, Sioux City, is congratulated by Brig. Gen. Ira L. Kimes for having been awarded the air medal for meritorious achievement while participating in 13 flights during the attack on Peleliu as pilot of a “Grasshopper” (Piper Club). |
Air Medal for Sioux City Pilot
Lt. Vanden Broek Praised for Meritorious Service
Marine Barracks, Quantico, Virginia – Marin First Lt. Clare V. Vanden Broek, 24-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Vanden Broek, 914 S. Fairmount Street, Sioux City, received the air medal following a formal ceremony and review at the air station here recently.
The award, made by Lt. Gen. Holland M. Smith, commanding general fleet marine force, Pacific and presented by Brig. Gen. Ira L. Kimes, commanding general marine air station, Quantico, was for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy during the attack on Peleliu from September 19 to 25.
Hazardous Mission
Pilot of a “Grasshopper” (Piper Cub) Lt. Vanden Broek participated in 13 flights, a total of 31 hours over enemy territory, while attached to a marine observation squadron.
Flying at treetop level on September 25, he exposed himself to enemy fire and was shot down. He and the artillery observer riding with him were severely injured but they were able to make their way back to marine lines, where they were treated and evacuated.
On each flight it was necessary to fly at the dangerously low altitude of 100 feet or less in order to aid the observer in determining the position of enemy installations, and on this occasion he flew lower that usual so his observer could get a better view of enemy torpedo and bomb dumps. These dumps were eventually destroyed as a result of observations made by Lt. Vanden Broek and his observer.
The marine aviator enlisted February 13, 1942, following two years of pre-engineer schooling at Morningside College in Sioux City and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the marine air corps June 12, 1943.
In addition to the air medal, he wears the Purple Heart medal for injuries.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, April 29, 1945 (photo included)
