Clebe McClary is a former Marine 1st lieutenant who served as a Recon Marine during the Vietnam War. On March 1968, the enemy launched a fierce attack, and in the midst of it, he was severely wounded by an explosion.. "I should have bled to death. After the first explosion went off, I went to pick up my shotgun and my left arm was missing." McClary was struck by two more grenades and two of the men he was serving with were killed in action. PFC. Ralph Johnson, who received the Medal of Honor for jumping on a grenade and saving the lives of his fellow Marines, was next to McClary during the attack. McClary credits Johnson with saving his life. He survived more than 40 surgeries and overcame the mental and emotional stress of losing an eye and left arm. He talks about the importance of having a balance between the spiritual, mental, social and physical pillars to help with overcoming difficult obstacles in life and remaining resilient. "I thank God for being alive. There was a time, when I was in the hospital, I thought I wanted to die. My whole face was ripped off and I was missing my teeth, my lips, my eye, my arm and the doctors thought I would never walk again. People were outside the hospital, protesting the war, burning flags and throwing rocks through the window. One day Billy Casper, a professional golfer, came to see me. I didn't know much about golf and I didn't know who he was. He said to me, 'I love you, I'm praying for you and thank you for what you have done.' Billy gave me hope and reminded me that God put me on this earth for a reason. That golfer saved my life." Growing up on a farm, eating healthy and playing sports impacted his recovery and kept him alive, McClary said. He also credits being part of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion for giving him the mental strength to never quit and make a full recovery.
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