Clayton V. Irlbeck

World War II

Clayton Irlbeck was born on December 24, 1924, in Eden Township to Frank and Odelia (known as Delia) (Mauer) Irlbeck. Clayton attended school in Dedham and later Carroll High School.

Clayton enlisted in the US Army at Fort Leavenworth, KS on June 12, 1945, along with 12 other Carroll County men. He was assigned serial number 37813003. At this time, the German surrender had already occurred but heavy fighting continued in the Pacific. After some initial training at Fort Leavenworth, he was sent to Camp Roberts in central California on June 28, 1945. He was assigned to Company A of the 96th Training Battalion. His training there was focused on supply procedures and activities. By November 24, 1945, this training was complete and Clayton was sent to Camp Pickett near Blackstone, VA in preparation for movement overseas. He left the US on November 30, 1945.

Clayton arrived in Italy during December, 1945. The war was over but there were many remaining US troops and much occupation duty to be performed. On January 3, 1946, he was assigned to the 220th Quartermaster Company. These units were responsible for supplying everything required by a military unit including clothing, footwear, rations, ammunition, fuel and spare parts. Duties included storage, distribution and transportation. Clayton spent the bulk of his time in Italy assigned to Company F of the 218th Quartermaster Company. On July 6, 1946, he was promoted to Private First Class.

Clayton and his unit were stationed at Livorno (Leghorn in English) which is on the coast of the Ligurian Sea in Tuscany. He remained at this location until his tour of duty was completed. He returned to the United States on December 20, 1946. He was discharged from the US Army on January 20, 1947 with the rank of TEC 5 (equivalent to corporal).

On October 28, 1947, Clayton was married to Rita Sporrer at St. Joseph’s Church in Dedham. They farmed near Templeton for two years before moving to the family home place southwest of Dedham. They retired to Templeton in 1991. Clayton died on January 12, 2000, in Omaha, NE at age 75. He was buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Templeton.