Colonel CLIFFORD E. REESE
U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

Colonel Clifford E. Reese of Ft. Belvoir, VA passed away on April 9, 2012. He was born July 25, 1927 in Greensboro, N.C. Colonel Reese began his career in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Private on July 3, 1945 and left the service in December 1947 to attend Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C. He graduated with a B.A. in history and one month later, on July 5, 1953, returned to active duty in the Marine Corps where he served for the next 28 years. He retired from active duty on April 30, 1981.
Colonel Reese's service record was exemplary. He served two tours in the Republic of Vietnam, the last of which was as the Commanding Officer for Marine Helicopter Attack Squadron HML-367, 1970-71. Among his decorations were 2 Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and Gold Star in lieu of 2nd award, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, 70 Air Medals, Purple Heart, and numerous other awards. Colonel Reese attended the National War College in 1974.
Colonel Reese is survived by his wife of 61 years, Louise Morton Reese of Ft. Belvoir, VA; daughters Lynn Reese Mendenhall of Vienna, VA; Patricia Reese Millar of Rancho Santa Fe, CA; Laura Reese Tambling of Milwaukee, WI; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter, Katherine Ann Reese.
Colonel Reese will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery on August 22, 2012 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his honor to the Wounded Warriors Project.

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