There were several eye witnesses to the murder, and the police were able to arrest a 16-year-old boy nearby, and he confessed to the crime. The other boy is still at large.
Clair Chaffin was a Marine Corpsman during the intense battles of Saipan and Iwo Jima.
He survived the war after fierce encounters on both Pacific islands, and went on to raise a family with three daughters — Alice, Mary, Kathy — on the mainland.
Clair was described by his fellow Marines as a generous and fun-loving man who crisscrossed the country speaking to crowds about the U.S. Marine Corps and most particularly about the 4th Marine Division and their part in helping to win the war in the Pacific Theater.
Clair fought alongside Navajo code talker Samuel “Jesse” Smith, who transmitted messages in his native tongue that couldn’t be understood by the Japanese soldiers and spies.
Smith’s son, Michael, sent along his condolences to the family and friends from “a fellow Marine.”
One of Clair’s many friends, criminal justice professor Jay Julian of Excelsior College, made this statement: “I’m at a loss of words right now for such a senseless murder. He was no threat to the young suspects. Clair was a good friend to many — his memory will live forever. Semper Fidelis!”
Clair will be cremated and buried next to his wife Muriel in Bushnell, Florida.
Services will be held at the Florida Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery on June 19.
Clair’s friends and family thought it important that the people know what happened.
Clair always had a fond memory of the local people of the islands.
