Lt. (jg) John Arthur Clapp, MD, was born on August 13, 1914, in Clinton, Iowa, to Lewis A.. Clapp and Emma J. Skinner-Clapp. He attend grammar school in Clinton, but his family, which included his sister, moved to Maywood, Illinois, and lived at 509 South 6th Avenue, before John started high school. John graduated from Proviso Township High School in 1936, and went to the University of Illinois where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1936. His mother also passed away in 1936. On October 16, 1940, the Selective Service Act took effect and John registered for the draft on that day. He named his sister, Jean, who was married, as his contact person. He next attended the University of Illinois Medical School, in Chicago, and graduated in 1942. While he was a medical student, he joined the Naval Reserve – his serial number was 13, 14, 22 – and was commissioned an ensign on March 20, 1942. He also he married Dorothy Ruth, who resided at 3420 West 66th Place in Chicago.
When he was called to active duty, he trained at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. From there, he was sent to the Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Camp Linda Vista, California. At some point, he had a step in rank to Lieutenant (junior grade), and was assigned to the Naval Medical Corps that was attached to the 3rd Marine Division. It is known he was with the 3rd during the Battle of Bougainville, in November 1943. He was then attached to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Marine Regiment, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade and took part in the Battle of Guam which was invaded on July 21, 1944. He was aiding the wounded, when John was hit in the chest by a shell fragment which killed him.
After the beachhead had been secured and the Marines had pushed inland, John and the other men who had been killed where buried in what was designated Army, Navy, Marine Cemetery #2, Agat (village), Guam, Marianas Islands, in Plot 1, Row 3, Grave 30. This grave was actually a trench with the dead laid next to each other. Each body was covered with a shroud which often was a shelter half. His remains were exhumed in 1947 and his identification was confirmed. His wife was sent a letter telling her where he was buried and her options for his final burial. In an enclosed form, she indicated that she wanted her husband buried on Guam. She indicated that she wanted John buried on Guam, but this was changed to Hawaii since no permanent cemetery was planned for Guam.
John’s casketed remains were sent to what was referred to as the Saipan Mausoleum on February 12, 1948. His casket was placed on the USAT Dalton Victory on July 23, 1948, and arrived in Hawaii on August 3rd. On August 5th, his casket was sent to the Hawaiian Distribution Center, Honolulu, where they appeared to have remained over six months. Lt (jg) John A. Clapp was buried, on March 17, 1949, in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Plot F, Row 436, with full military honors. His wife was sent the flag that covered his casket and received a letter dated June 29, 1949.
Lt(jg) John A. Clapp, 131 422, USN
Section F, Grave 436
Headstone: Cross
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Territory of Hawaii
Mrs. Dorothy R. Clapp
3420 West 66th Place
Chicago, Illinois
Dear Mrs. Clapp:
The remains of your loved one have been permanently interred as recorded above among his comrades who also gave their lives for their country. Customary military services were conducted over the grave at the time of burial.
The cemetery is under the control of the Department of the Army and responsibility for permanent construction, beautification and perpetual maintenance, including appropriate marking of the grave, will rest with the Army. During these operations, which will extend over a period of several months, visits to the cemetery are not encouraged.
You have received, or will receive, a communication from the cemetery superintendent indicating the type of permanent grave marker to be installed as well as the name and other pertinent data to be inscribed thereon.
You may rest assured that this final interment was conducted with fitting dignity and solemnity and that the gravesite will be carefully and conscientiously maintained in perpetuity by the United States Government.
Sincerely yours,
(signed)
H. FELDMAN
Major General
The Quartermaster General
