CLAW, Thomas (Code Talker)

Thomas Claw Feb. 23, 1922 — May 26, 2009 Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Friday, May 29, 2009 Thomas Claw, 87, passed away at the Northern Arizona VA Health Care Center, Prescott, Ariz. Claw was born Feb. 23, 1922, in Chinle, Ariz. He attended Fort Wingate High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps March 13, 1943, in Phoenix. He was sent to Camp Pendleton for special military qualifications and training as a code talker. He served with the 1st Marine Division and was overseas from Sept. 20, 1943, until Nov. 6, 1945. He served in the Asiatic Pacific areas of New Caledonia, Australia, New Britain, the Solomon Islands, Palau Islands and Ryukyu Islands in Japan. Mr. Claw received two presidential unit citations; the 1st Marine Reinforced for action against the enemy at Pelieliu and Ngesebus, from Sept. 15-29, 1944; and for heroic action during the invasion and capture of Okinawa, April 1 to June 21, 1945. He also received the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon for service with the 11th Marine Regiment in action against the enemy at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, from Dec. 26, 1943, until April 30, 1944. While in Okinawa, Mr. Claw was wounded and received a Purple Heart as a result of enemy action, June 24, 1945. After his military service, Mr. Claw relocated to Parker with his wife Barbara in 1948. He was employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a water master for the Colorado River Irrigation Project, retiring after 20 years of service. He is survived by his wife Barbara and his children; Carolyn Hammond, Pauline James, Harold Claw, Gloria Claw, all of Parker; and Reynold Claw, Clearfield, Utah. Funeral services will be 9 a.m., Saturday, at Poston Community Baptist Church. A procession will follow to the Town of Parker Cemetery for graveside services with military honors. Interment will be in the Veterans Section.