Jefferson City, Missouri - Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at state buildings in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis be flown at half-staff on Saturday, May 11th to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Specialist Charles P. McClure.
Specialist McClure, age 21, formerly of Missouri, was a soldier in the U.S. Army serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Kuwait. He died on May 2 of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident in Camp Buehring, Kuwait. His funeral will be held on May 11.
“Specialist McClure served our country with bravery and dedication, and I ask all Missourians to remember his sacrifice when they see the lowered flags,” Gov. Nixon said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn for him.”
Specialist McClure was assigned to the A Battery, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge (Bar, Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle), Expert), and the Overseas Service Bar (2 awards).
Since most state building are closed over the weekend, many will fly the flag at half-mast all weekend. It is not required that any business do the same; however it is voluntary to do so.
PFC Charles P. McClure, 21 of New Bloomfield, MO, a United States Army Private First Class, passed away Thursday, May 2, 2013 while serving in Kuwait.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2013 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Burial with military honors will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2013 in the funeral home.
PFC McClure is survived by his mother: Karrie Gladden Sandfort of Columbia, MO; father: Andy McClure of Cabool, MO; four siblings: Kayce McClure of New Bloomfield, MO, Kayla McClure of Little Rock, AR, Alton McClure of Columbia, MO and Karissa Sandfort of Columbia, MO; maternal grandparents: Garry and Karen Williams of Plato, MO; maternal grandfather: Jerry D. Gladden of New Bloomfield, MO; paternal grandparents: Jim and Doris McClure of Lynchburg, MO; other relatives and friends.
You paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Thank you for your service and your dedication to our country.
