Col. Clair L. Hess - WWII (501st PIR), Korean War (CIO - X Corps)

[Masonk]

All,

I was contacted several weeks ago by a gentlemen who was in possession of a grouping to a vet who served in the 501st PIR during WWII. Individual was hired to do a house cleanout, where all items were to be discarded. He thought these items were worth saving.

Items belonged to Col. Clair L. Hess, who later in life, lived not far from me in King of Prussia, PA (about a 20min drive).

This group is document heavy, detailing his service which spanned from 1942 to his retirement in 1969. Hess was wounded twice during WWII; once on D-Day and a second time in Holland during Market Garden.

Hess continued his service through Bastogne, and was eventually sent stateside in February 1945 to tour local factories as part of the War Bond/Manufacturing effort.

Period video at the link featuring Hess, where he narrates and discusses his time in Bastogne - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq663YIGjkc

He continued his service post-WWII, and served with the 11th Airborne Division.

He was called overseas again during the Korean War, where he was a Counter Intelligence Officer with X Corps. Lots of N. Korean propaganda leaflets included with the group.

He continued service post-Korean war stateside, and was again back in Korea with the UNC as a Nuclear Weapons Employment Officer, where he provided policy guidance pertaining to the use of nuclear weapons.

Later, he was a Professor of Military Sciences for the ROTC program at the University of Pennsylvania.

He finished his career as Chief of Counterintelligence and Security Branch J-2 with the US European Command (1966-1969). For this service, he received the Legion of Merit.

Hess remained in PA after his retirement, and went on to live a long life, passing in 2016 at 96 years old. His final resting place is in his hometown during the war, Blairsville, PA.

First up, a few photos of Hess.

[Masonk]

Hess' medals, and accompanying documents



Purple Heart (Unnamed)



Copy of GO



Western Union letters sent to Hess' mother informing her he was wounded





Official letter to Hess' mother after he was wounded at D-Day



His two Bronze Stars; first with government engraving, second with OLC





GO for BSM



Legion of Merit with government engraving



LOM Certificate



1950's era ARCOM

[Masonk]

A few miscellaneous items that came with the group

101st Patch



1943 501st PIR Christmas Dinner Program



Unopened set of NS Myers Col Rank Insignia



Award commemorating Hess' leadership of the ROTC program at University of PA



Doubles Handball trophy - 1963!



Commemorative plate/award for Hess service with J-2 Division



Various military IDs





Map I assume Hess carried when he was in Korea

[Masonk]

Quilted banner commemorating Hess' service with the 501st PIR. Senior Parachutist Badge, with two stars, I assume for his jumps in Normandy and Holland.

[Masonk]

Postcard from Camp Mackall



Various original photos of friends, etc.

[Masonk]

Various newspaper articles mentioning Hess

[Masonk]

Original North Korean/Communist China propaganda leaflets. Hess was counterintelligence, so makes sense he had these. Not pictured are sheets of English translations of some of the leaflets. Nothing on the letters to tell me what translation matches up to the leaflets in his collection.

[Masonk]

A couple bring-backs from his service during WWII - Heer and HJ Belt buckles

Heer buckle has it's tab, dated 1939, and was produced by Dr. Franke & Co.







HJ Buckle is marked RZM M4/24, Friedrich Linden

[drmessimer]

Masonk: That is a terrific collection, I am envious. Dwight

[Masonk]

Hess had quite a few documents, etc., with his items. Most nicely outline his service.

First, his discharge paperwork from his WWII service - 1945



His Retirement Orders - 1969



Resume and an accompanying application - nicely outlines his service