RICHMOND, Va. –
On the 86th anniversary of his passing, a former Virginia National Guard Soldier’s grave received a plaque commemorating his service and sacrifice thanks to the efforts of the Virginia National Guard’s Enlisted Association and Historical Foundation during a ceremony Aug. 3, 2024, in Richmond, Virginia.
Pfc. Claude J. Bohannon was assigned to the Norfolk-based Bravo Battery, 111th Field Artillery Regiment in 1938, when an unfortunate accident involving a tank ended his life during his unit’s annual training. Despite an investigation concluding his death was in the line of duty, his gravesite in Richmond had no recognition of his sacrifice or military service.
“It was discovered in late 2023 that Pfc. Bohannon was interred at Richmond’s Riverview Cemetery with no indication of his military service,” said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Cliff White, president of the Virginia National Guard Enlisted Association. “The Virginia National Guard Enlisted Association, at their 2024 annual meeting, voted to correct this omission and memorialize his service with a ceremony and plaque for his tombstone.”
Bohannon’s story was uncovered by retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Al Barnes, the VNG’s commander historian, and others in the VNG’s Historical Foundation.
“The story of Pfc. Bohannon came to light as we were cataloging the old TAG files for the period 1919 to 1961,” said Barnes. “Among those documents was the complete file on the accidental death of the Soldier in August 1938. Using other sources we were then able to find his grave in Richmond.”
According to historic documents, Bohannon, 27 years old at the time with a wife and young daughter, and others with the 111th were in Danville, Virginia, obtaining trucks from the 29th Tank Company to use for training. The 29th had just received new M2A2 tanks, and Bohannon and his fellow artillerymen asked to see them in action.
Several Soldiers boarded the tank, some in the turret and some on the outside of the tank, including Bohannon. While driving the tank through Danville’s streets, the tracked vehicle structure a pile of rocks while making a turn, causing Bohannon to be tossed from the tank and crushed underneath.
An investigation into the incident ensued.
“Upon official notification a military line of duty investigation was conducted at the order of the Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. S. Gardner Waller,” said White. “With witness statements from other Soldiers, the tank driver, and Danville Police reports, it was determined that Pfc. Bohannon was killed in the line of duty. He gave his live in service to his country.”
The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Band provided music for the ceremony at Bohannon’s gravesite. The ceremony included a wreath laying, plaque dedication and chaplain services, as well as remarks from Lt. Col. Jason Detweiler, representing the Virginia National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters.
Barnes thanked the Enlisted Association for their efforts to make sure Bohannon’s sacrifice was properly commemorated.
“As soon as the Enlisted Association heard about our finding, they stepped up and not only set up the ceremony, they paid for the plaque placed on Pfc. Bohannon's grave. Their act truly shows the world that our Soldiers are not forgotten whether they are killed in battle or die in a training accident.”
Read more about the Virginia National Guard’s history at https://ngpa.us/25408.
Learn more about the Virginia National Guard Enlisted Association at https://vaaangea.org/.