JOHN CLUETT - VIETNAM WAR
John Cluett, 78
Gloucester, MA
Born: 9/3/1946
Died: 9/24/2024
Born/Raised: Gloucester
Rank: Captain, 101st Airborne, 2-502 Strikeforce
Service: US Army
Camp Eagle, Vietnam
Dates of Service: 1968-1971
Commendations: Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars
John Cluett Jr. was born and raised in Gloucester and a Class of ’64 graduate of GHS. He joined the Army in 1968 at 21, ultimately becoming a captain in the 101st Airborne 2/502 Strikeforce, The Widow Makers, stationed at Camp Eagle in the Thua Thien province in Vietnam. His unit would often deploy for three weeks at a time in the jungle.
In April 1971, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry for his actions and leadership in rescuing personnel from a downed “dustoff” medevac helicopter under intense enemy fire. Forty years later he would run into the pilot of the downed helicopter, Fred Behrens, at a reunion, recognizing him by his big handlebar moustache. He was also awarded two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
Cluett made a career working at Bickford Marine in Gloucester. He has been married twice and has two children and two grandchildren and continued to live in Gloucester until his passing in September 2024.