Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri - The Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post #59 has begun a new tradition of recognizing a local veteran for their military service. Veterans will be honored on a quarterly basis. The first presentation was held on Thursday evening at Post #59 with Lt. Col. Clifford T. Manlove (Ret.) receiving the Legionnaire of the Quarter honor.
The Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post in recognition of Manlove’s service submitted the following dialogue:
“D-Day at 20,000 feet, the sky was clear across the English Channel that fateful day. And in all of it was Dexter’s own, (then Pilot) Clifford T. Manlove.
Growing up in Dexter, Mo., Manlove was inspired by the great pilot of the day, Charles A. Lindbergh. Enrolling at Purdue University in 1936, he obtained two years of college credit to begin his aviation dream.
Clifford Manlove enlisted in the U.S. Army Corp on Aug. 15, 1941, as an Aviation Cadet. Continuing to chase the dream, he graduated from Advance Pilot training on March 16, 1942, as a 2nd Lieutenant.
Our hometown hero went on to fly a myriad of different aircraft in his career from a B-17 bomber to a P-51 fighter in World War Two and then flew transport aircraft in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the U.S. Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, which is a military decoration awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States Armed Forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.
Retiring from the military on May 31, 1969, after 28 years, Manlove returned home to his beloved wife June, and their five sons and one daughter. Throughout the years, Cliff Manlove has fulfilled many tasks, including Chairman of the Dexter Airport’s governing board and Grand Marshall of all Veteran’s Day parades since 1969.
And for this, to this hometown hero, we of the Dexter American Legion Post 59, do award him our Legionnaire of the Quarter Award.”
The above document was written by Scott Harding who is the Adjutant and Public Relations Officer for Post #59. Not only did it take a great amount of time to research the information, but his dedication and devotion to the American Legion is honorable.
Standing in the photo are Commander Darryl LaPierre, Col. Cliff Manlove (Ret.), and Scott Harding.
Congratulations to Clifford T. Manlove!
