Clell Huskey

Who was Clell Huskey and why does it matter?

Clell Huskey was the second son of Eldridge and Louise Huskey of Sevier County, Tennessee.  Clell was born in about 1922.  His father owned his own farm.

Clell graduated as part of the class of 1941 with 29 other students from Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Academy.

On August 8, 1942 he enlisted as a private in the U.S. Army at Fort Oglethorpe, George.  According to his enlistment record he was 5' 11" and 170 pounds.  He was a semi-skilled mechanic.  He was married.

In early May of 1944, as part of the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, he died in North Africa.  He is officially listed as missing in action.  He is remembered on the Walls of the Missing at the North Africa American Cemetery in Carthage, Tunisia.  He received the Purple Heart Medal and the Bronze Star Medal.

He's also remembered at The King's Academy, in Seymour, Tennessee.

From William F. Hall, Sr.'s book A Venture of Faith - History of Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Academy:

Football was played in various places until 1947; when Huskey Memorial Field was made for a football gridiron in memory of Clell Huskey, former student and athlete who was killed in action in North Africa, May 6, 1943*.  The field was made possible by his family giving his government insurance money toward its construction.

Many young men pass through this gate on Friday nights, ready to take battle on the football field.

I wonder how many of them look up and know who Clell Huskey was, and what his sacrifice means to them and to all of us.

* - Mr. Hall was mistaken on the date of Clell's death.