Andrew D. the Jolly Rogers guy Posted April 19, 2016 Share Posted April 19, 2016 (edited) Received a call today from the son of USS Arizona survivor Clarendon “Clare” Hetrick. Clare died last night; he'd had cancer surgery within the past year and never quite recovered. His ashes will be interred in the wreck of the USS Arizona this December 7 to rejoin his fallen shipmates. He was quite a guy, quiet yet always very keenly observant. A gentle man with a huge heart, it was my privilege and honor to get to know him bit-by-bit over the past 12 years. He had been the youngest of the survivors for some time now. He is and will be dearly missed. 6 survivors now remain. Edited April 21, 2016 by Andrew D. the Jolly Rogers guy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Old Blind Dog Posted April 19, 2016 Share Posted April 19, 2016 cheers Old Blind Dog Quote Link to post Share on other sites
afoxbat Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 Another of the greatest generation gone. Calm winds and fair seas, Sir. With greatest respect, Afoxbat Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jinxter13 Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 ^.......Fair winds and following seas sir RIP Quote Link to post Share on other sites
yardbird78 Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 X 21 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tosouthern66 Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 He may have departed our world but, will never depart our memory and admiration. He has gone to join his shipmates that has gone before him. RIP Clarendon “Clare” Hetrick Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TaiidanTomcat Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 RIP Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SBARC Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 RIP in peace with your shipmates Clare. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 RIP . Don. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GreyGhost Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 Rest in Peace, Mister Herrick ... Thank you for your Service in our darkest hours ... -Gregg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drifterdon Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 RIP Sir! :salute:/> Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew D. the Jolly Rogers guy Posted April 21, 2016 Author Share Posted April 21, 2016 Photo added, dated December 2015. You can see the intensity in his eyes if you look closely. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew D. the Jolly Rogers guy Posted April 21, 2016 Author Share Posted April 21, 2016 A bit more about Clare's story; he was belowdecks at his battle station in one of the portside 5" magazines. They were basically sealed in down there. When the ship exploded they found themselves trapped below, with the lights going out. They ended up crawling through ducts and the like through the innards of the ship, eventually coming topside starboard of turret 3, about where the oil is leaking from. Amazingly, the guy in front of him got stuck, and Clare thought he was going to be trapped in the ship forever; told me they actually broke the guy's hip getting him unstuck! :o Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tosouthern66 Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 Andrew You are a lucky man being able to meet and be friends with him. It's sad that we are losing all these great people who served during WW2 to keep our nation free, and those that are currently giving their lives to keep us free today. It is a unfortunate fact that great people have to stand up and be willing to die to keep this nation and other nations free! Please share our respects to his family. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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