MANSFIELD — SPC4 Kenneth Clagg, of Mansfield, was presented a Quilt of Valor on July 8, 2026.
A Quilt of Valor is a civilian award given to veterans touched by war, as a symbol of gratitude for their service and sacrifice for our nation.
Ken served in the U.S. Army from 1970-1972 in the Vietnam War. He was part of the 300th Military Police Company Unit in South Vietnam. The 300th MP Company participated in 15 campaigns during the Vietnam era.
Ken’s 18th Military Police Brigade duties included detention, combat, law enforcement, convoy escorts, and security details.
One day while performing his duties, Ken was riding in a jeep with his comrades when something caused the jeep to flip over. Ken was ejected and suffered an injury and concussion resulting in a three-day stay in the evac hospital. Within a week, he was back on assignment with his comrades.
Upon completion of his service with the MP Company, he joined the 1st of the 327th of the 101st Airborne Division, also known as the Screaming Eagles.
He was stationed in Da Nang, but his tours took him all over central and northern Vietnam. He gained significant skills as a Rifleman in the Infantry Platoon.
Ken was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, and he is a Bronze Star Medal recipient.
Prior to his enlistment, Ken worked as a machinist and was able to put those skills to use in his service. After an honorable discharge, he went back to his career as a machinist and tool and die maker. He worked for Taylor Metal Company and Thermodisc Company before retirement.