North Carolina State University Athletics
?Character? the Message from Vietnam Veteran to Wolfpack Football
8/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
BY PAT NORRIS
RALEIGH -- Clebe McClary is an extraordinary man.
Told he would never walk again, he eventually did. Told he might die, he never did. He gave up his dream to fight for his country in the Vietnam war, and only weeks before his wedding, McClary volunteered for the Marine Corp and went off to fight in Vietnam. After suffering life-threatening injuries, McClary is now one of the top motivational speakers in the country.
Thursday afternoon, he took his message to NC State's football team.
McClary was raised on a 10,000-acre plantation in Pawley’s Island, S.C. and achieved his dream of becoming a college coach. In March of 1967, he witnessed a protest of the Vietnam War on the campus as a student burned the American flag. Outraged by the lack of pride in his country, McClary resigned from the job he loved to volunteer for the Marines.
On his 19th reconnaissance mission in the heart of enemy territory, McClary was nearly killed as his unit was engaged in hand-to-hand combat on the ground. One grenade blew off his left arm above the elbow. Another grenade caught him in the neck, limiting the use of his right arm. Yet another grenade exploded and mangled his right hand, taking his left eye, and ripping through his face. One last grenade tore into his legs, severely limiting his movement as the battle raged on.
He told of a heroic solider in his unit, a standout football player, Ralph H. Johnson, who gave his life to save the men in his platoon. Johnson saw a grenade land in the middle of the group of American soliders, and promptly dove belly down on the grenade. He saved McClary’s life, by giving his own. Today, McClary helped the state of South Carolina name the Veterans hospital after Johnson in Charleston, among other tributes.
McClary and his men were rescued by a pair of U.S. helicopters, and minutes after taking off, over 150 enemy troops stormed the hill. Five more minutes, and there would have been no survivors. For McClary, he wasn’t safe just yet.
Over two years would go by with McClary in the hospital. The doctors told him he wouldn’t walk again, and after 39 major surgeries and massive physical therapy, McClary not only was able to walk, he was able to show his outstanding character and passion by sharing his story and message for nearly 40 years.
That message was on the agenda on Thursday afternoon at the Murphy Football Center, as McClary spoke to the football team about character and making the right choices in life. He spoke of his faith in God, and how a young man should live his life. McClary spoke to the team about how blessed the entire team was, with the opportunity they have and with the talents they were given.
The team was attentive and it was truly a great story with a better message. McClary spoke of having pride and showing character. He spoke of being respectful. Saying “Yes, Sir” and “Yes, ma’am” and about taking your hat off indoors. He spoke of acronyms that he has used throughout his life, like P.A.T.C.H. (Positive Attitude That Characterizes Hope) and most importantly, F.I.D.O. (Forget It Drive Off). Head coach Chuck Amato in particular was impressed with FIDO, as McCrary explained it as being useful to get bad situations out of your mind and leave them in your past.
As the speech ended, McCrary greeted each and every player with a handshake and words of encouragement as the team filed out to head to their position meetings. And in the end, McCrary’s sincerity and message will have a lasting effect on the team.
Pat Norris is NC State's assistant media relations director for fooball.
