PFC Lee I. Clendenning
1918-1941
Private First Class Lee I. Clendenning died on Dec. 7, 1941 while assigned to the 23rd Bombardment Squadron at Hickam Field in Hawaii. In the chaos of the attack, many of the casualties were not identified and buried as “unknowns”. Lee was one of the “unknowns”.
Lee Clendenning was born on May 8, 1918 to Archibald and Verna (Dietrich) Clendenning in Rib Lake. He was the middle son of the three Clendenning boys, Charles (Chuck), Lee (Butch) and Melvin (Spike). All three men served their country during WWII. Charles and Lee were in Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. Melvin enlisted in 1942 shortly after his 18th birthday and saw action in Africa and Italy.
Lee attended elementary school in a one-room school house in Spirit Lake. He attended high school in Rib Lake and graduated in 1936. He relocated to Chicago to learn a career in the tool and die trade before joining the army. Army records indicate that he joined with his brother, Chuck on Nov. 8, 1940 in Wausau.
After training both men were assigned to the 23rd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group at Hickam Field in Hawaii. Lee was killed during the initial attack and his brother was wounded and unable to identify him. This left his immediate family with many unanswered questions.
The circumstances of his death and the lack of closure made it very difficult for his parents and brothers to share their stories and memories of him with surviving family. “Uncle Butch” remains largely unknown to us. His surviving family includes a niece, Gale Clendenning; nephews, Lee and Melvin Clendenning; and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We have very little information about him. What we do know is that he had a great smile, was outgoing, could sing, was an accomplished, piano player and that he hoped to be an actor someday.
The family is grateful for the advances in forensic medicine, the dedication of the scientific staff and the D.P.A.A. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) who worked tirelessly to fulfill the wishes of Lee’s mother who wanted her son brought home. Thanks also to Jessie Higa, a historian whose tours allowed some family members closure during a visit to Hickam Field.
Lee will return home to Rib Lake and will receive full military honors at his graveside service which will take place at 11 a.m., Sept. 6, 2025 at Lake View Cemetery in Rib Lake.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 173329
