Clifford Leber: Keeping The Infantry Supplied

By Scott Nelson, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer

Who do you call when you need help?  If it’s 1966 and you are in Vietnam pinned down by the enemy or just need some breathing room, there is a good chance you’re going to call on Clifford Leber and the dedicated men of the 25th Infantry Division, 7th Battalion, 11th Artillery.  

Clifford Leber was born November 3, 1944.   He grew up on Bataan Drive in Maywood, Illinois with his parents and brother.  As a young boy, he remembers looking out his bedroom window and watching the construction of the Eisenhower Expressway.  On one rainy weekend, he watched as the puddles grew large enough for him to raft down the “Ike.”  It was an innocent water adventure that he would never forget.

Clifford attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois. Like most young men, he was worried about being sent to Vietnam, a country many could hardly find on the classroom globe.  The nightly news served as a daily reminder of what was happening in Vietnam and none of it excited him or his mother very much.  He loved the United States and the freedom that it represented throughout the world.  

It was 1965 and he had recently graduated from high school.  President Johnson was really building up the Army to support the war effort and he figured it was just a matter of time until he was called.  He knew that in the event he was drafted, he would go without hesitation.  He believed in America and the freedom that it represented and brought to many countries around the world.  He received his draft notice at age 20: “Hello United States Army!”

Clifford went through 8 weeks of Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and got into the best shape of his life.  His drill sergeant wanted the most physically fit and best trained soldiers “and he got both.”  After Basic Training, he was sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for 10 weeks training in Advance Infantry School. It was here that he learned how to survey and operate the 105 Howitzer.  While at Fort Sill he got his orders that he was being deployed to Vietnam; the news brought tears to his mother’s eyes.  One week before his scheduled deployment to Vietnam the Army had a change of plans; he was now going to Hawaii for additional training in jungle warfare tactics.  He and others from the 25th Infantry Division headed out to sea in a troop carrier to Hawaii.  It took 5 days to get to Hawaii and he was sick as a dog on the open seas as this was nothing like his rafting trip down the “Ike.” 

The jungle warfare training lasted 10 weeks and included mountain climbing, river crossing and ambush training, all in a physical environment similar to Vietnam.  After the training, he and approximately 3,000 men were deployed to Vietnam by sea.  Boy, did he miss his childhood boat trip down the “Ike!”  After 12 days at sea, he arrived at Vung Tau Harbor.  The harbor was heavily protected with an array of naval vessels, including a destroyer that was shelling the mainland.  After 2 days in the harbor, they disembarked onto an LST and were brought to shore. They then boarded  2 ½ ton trucks (deuce and a half) to the Cu Chi Base Camp.  The camp was northwest of Saigon and served as the headquarters for the 25th Infantry Division.  It was an enormous camp with its own airstrip but because it was still being developed, they had to construct their own living quarters, mess halls and latrines.  He was never trained in filling sandbags but he and the others soon became pros.  The experience was similar to a home remodeling show, but in 1965 and in Vietnam!

Clifford was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 11th Artillery, and was responsible for providing artillery supply by convoys and helicopters in addition to launching rounds to protect the South Vietnamese Army Bases and various villages.   He held the rank of Sergeant E-5. He would often go out on operations when the Infantry needed additional fire support.    He would work hand in hand with the 25th Infantry and thanked them each day for their safety and support.  It was a good working team but death and destruction were all around.

While on a convoy delivering supplies, one of the trucks in front of him was hit by a make-shift Viet Cong (VC) landmine.  The VC had converted an unexploded 105 Howitzer shell and placed it on the road to cause maximum destruction.  The explosion was massive.  Clifford heard and felt the explosion from two trucks up. He saw the driver’s side door fly in the air and the driver, whose leg had been torn off his body, flying into a field.  Before he could stop and help, he was instructed to keep moving as the Viet Cong (VC) would often use this method to ambush the others.  The brave medics quickly attended to the soldier. He never knew if the young man survived.  

Although it was not unusual to have an incoming rocket or mortar round come into the base, life there was much calmer.  They had established a “safe” perimeter and the necessary firepower to address any serious concerns.  Life on the base had everything he needed: mail from home, food, shelter, and an occasional monkey that would run around the base at its own leisure.

When Clifford got his discharge papers from the Army, he extended his commitment in Vietnam by two months since he did not have any additional commitments stateside. This gave him an early discharge from the Army.  When Clifford left Vietnam, he was most excited about flying home on a Continental Golden jet out of South Vietnam.  No more ocean voyages for him! 

Upon arrival at O’Hare Airport in Chicago, he was greeted by his brother.  He was also greeted by unappreciative people who spat in front of him as he walked.  He did not agree with their actions and could have reacted to the situation in a different manner but chose to understand and let it go. 

Clifford has always been proud of his service in Vietnam and to his country.  Not a day goes by that he does not think of those who served in Vietnam and those that made the ultimate sacrifice.  Clifford is excited to join fellow veterans on this trip to Washington D.C.

After the war, Clifford married Joanne, a girl that was in his home room class while attending Proviso East High School.  They were married at St. Bernardine Catholic Church in Forest Park, Illinois. They eventually raised a son and daughter in the same town.  Being married, he had to make some money (happy wife, happy life) so he joined the Forest Park Fire Department where he worked for 33 years before retiring in 2003.

When asked to relate his story, Clifford repeated again and again, “I really did not do much over in Vietnam, I just did my job; you should ask some of the other guys who served.” This sense of respect and admiration that Clifford has for the others who served is a testament to his character. He is indeed a proud veteran.

Thank You, Sergeant Leber, for your service to your country. Enjoy your much deserved Honor Flight!