34, of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Clay died in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was conducting a dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany. Died on April 1, 2006.
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"7 years later you still remain in our thoughts and prayers. We miss you and can not wait till we serve with you again in heaven."
Jerry Gilchrist of Fort Stewart, Ga
"i knew SFC clay for many years and the respect i have for that great man and SGT devora can never be put into words but waking up everyday and thinking about them gets me through my days so in loving memory i say thank you for always being there cause no matter what your the ones i can always count on to be there in heart and spirit"
SGT Joseph Carl of FORT IRWIN CA
"I justed wanted to thank SSG Clay for being a great Leader during my time in service as well as my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. I thank God i am alive every day being that I was a Scout with him during Operation Enduring Freedom and it could have been anyone of us that didnt make it back. To a great Leader and Fallen Hero, I am a better person because of him."
SPC Gram of Japan
"Hey, I know your not here to read this, but know it is from the heart. It has been 4 years of serving in this Army and it hasnt been easy without you. There hasnt been another person in all this world who has inspired me as you have in the past. I think about you all the time and your family. I pray that life takes them towards good things. Im here in Iraq once again, but dont worry Darrell, your memory will keep me safe."
Jerry R. Gilchrist Jr of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo USA (Deployed Kirkuit Iraq)
"To my friend Darrell, Thank you for your sacrifice and protecting our country.I want to give my condolences to his wife and children and let them know this country has lost a "True Hero".
He will never be forgotten..
Thank you Darrell and we will see you in heaven.."
"I grew up with Darrell and went from playing pop warner football to graduating from 71st with him.He was ALWAYS a great guy and my prayers go out to his wife and kids.Your Dad had alot of friends guys and continues to be missed by all."
Brandon Ligon of Atlanta,Georgia
"I knew Darrell through Jr. High and High School. He was always a great person with a good heart. To Darrell's family and friends, please let the example that Darrell set with his life serve as a reminder to all of us on how we should live. Darrell was a true Hero - and an example to us all"
Joseph Toomer of Richmond, VA
"SSG Clay you have always inspired me since i was a private in baumholder, I will always look up to you and you have been with me always and will continue. I wish i could see you and tell you thanks for being one of the best influences in my life and military career. You will not be forgotten. SSG Brimmer"
Corey Brimmer of FORT DRUM, NY
"SSG Clay was my platoon sergeant. I was in Iraq when he died. Truly sad day for anyone who knew him"
Patrick Michalina of Fort Drum, NY
"kEVIN d0 yUH N0t kN0 WHAt yUH d0iN 0N tHis tHiNG"
of GEORGIA
"hey what are u doing love yall"
kevin l hallmon of ga
"they is missing with me"
kevin hallmon of ga
"what we miss so much"
kevin of ga
"June 1, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Darrell P. Clay:
Darrell gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV
"SSG Clay always knew what to do in any situation. He was a person any soldier could go to in need. I thank GOD that he put him in my life while stationed in 2-6 INF. I pray for him and his family every day and I will never forget him. Thank you SSG Clay for all your wisdom you have givin me. SGT Gilchrist, Jerry"
SGT Gilchrist, Jerry of Fort Drum, NY/ US
"HEY AGAIN IT ME CHEKKIN TO SAY HEY DESMOND"
DESMOND of HINESVILLE
"H3Y DADi JUS CH3KKiN iN T0 SAY i STiLL MiSS U"
DESMOND of CLAY
"I just found this page trying to look for my play brother of 16yrs. We've met on his first trip to germany in my hometown wildflecken. Clay and i have been always close and he looked out for me until i moved to the u.s. The last time we spoke on the phone was in july 02 when he told me he wanted to go to iraq. I still cant believe he's gone... He was a great friend and awesome person to have known. I miss you so much, clay! Ich hab dich lieb mein grosser bruder!!!"
Carmen of Sacramento, ca.
"YES, THIS IS DESMOND DARRELL CLAY IS ME AND MY SISTERS DADDY WE REALLY MIS HIM"
DESMOND CLAY of HINESVILLE,GA
"I was honored to see the glow in your eyes when you first got the word that you made the promotion list to Sergeant First Class. I will always remember that glow. Miss you Battle Buddy!!! God bless the Clay Family."
SSG Byron Johnson of Houston, Texas
"I worked for SFC Clay for 3 yrs in HHC 2-6 IN Scout PLT and HQ PLT. He was the Best NCO I ever knew. and I think about that night everyday. I miss You SFC Clay. Scouts Out."
Carlos Pupo of Los Angeles, CA
"To the families of SSG Clay. I served with SSG Clay in the 2/6 scout platoon from '01-'04 on his first tour of duty. I can say that he was a great leader and I truly enjoyed serving under him. He loved being a cav scout. My condolences go out to his family. You are not forgotten SSG Clay!"
SPC Furnas of Cloquet, MN USA
"To the family of:Darrell P. Clay I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"
"I will miss him dearly. I know I 'll never be able to put it into words. Darrell and I both attended 71st Sr. High School and we both joined the army at the same time. We were both station in Germany and I still find it hard to make it day-to-day.
My condoleences goes out to is wife and love. God Bless You All, I only hope you read it to know how much he is going to be missed.
kevin.g.bradley@us.army.mil"
SSG BRADLEY, KEVIN G. of kUNSAN, KOREA
"Clay Family,
I've known Darrell almost my entire life, we were in Kindergarten together. I am saddened by the news of his death, please accept my condolences and know that you all are lifted up in prayer on my behalf.
Respectfully..."
Capt Stacy Gilmore Greene of San Antonio, Texas
"DARRELL HAS LEFT GREAT MEMORIES WITH US ALL AND HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. HE IS A TRUE GENTLEMEN AND A HEROE TO US ALL. HE HAS ALWAYS WORKED TO HELP OTHERS. WE GREW UP TOGETHER IN HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS AND ATTEND HIGH SCHOOL AT 71ST. WE ALL WILL MISS HIM OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY"
JEROME "LEE-LEE" WILLIAMS of FAYETTEVILLE, NC, USA
"I am one of the guys who checked his ID
card and signed on his girlfriend (later his wife) into the housing area in Germany where Darrell lived.I was shocked when I heard the news. A true
gentleman and soldier and a loss to all
who knew,and loved him. We here at Pond miss Darrell Clay."
Pond Guards in NBK of Germany
"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.
Our nations HERO, Darrell will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "
"Darrell was a personal friend of mine and I want all the family and friends to know that we will miss you. I just heard the news today and just started thinking of how it was playing in the sand at Tyrone's house. We said that we would be soldiers one day. As a Captain in the Marines im not to proud to salute you my friend. You guarded our country, now guard the Pearly Gates. I'll see you when im called home my friend! I appreciate you. (If the family is reading this, please contact me lee_west@dell.com)"
Lee West of Lumberton, NC
"Thank you Darrell Clay, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios
"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Darrell Clay:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Darrell for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada
"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Darrell Clay:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Darrell, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia