Chief Warrant Officer 4 Clemuel Hudson Womack of Camden
served with the US Army in Vietnam. His awards include the Legion of Merit, the
Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious
combat achievement, the Purple Heart, 25 Air Medals, and the Army Commendation
Medal with three oak leaf clusters.
His aviation training began at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and
continued at Fort Rucker, Alabama, now known as the home of Army aviation.
Chief Womack's training started from the basics, covering the creation,
maintenance, operations, and modifications of aircraft, leading to instructor
training. He consistently held himself to the highest standards.
As his skills advanced, Chief Womack was transferred back to
Fort Rucker. While serving in Vietnam, he recognized the need for more
efficient and advanced gunships to support landing zones during troop
deployments and recoveries. He was instrumental in developing and designing the
"Old Ironsides" machine gun system for helicopters, providing the
close air support necessary. This was followed by a rocket system, ensuring
that the gunships were well-armed.
Chief Womack served three tours in Vietnam as a helicopter
pilot and achieved pilot status in all US Army helicopters, ranging from models
from 1955 to 1978. Additionally, he piloted all of the Army's fixed-wing
aircraft. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Clemuel Hudson Womack exemplified excellence
and dedication throughout his distinguished military career.