Jesse Clift grew up on a farm in rural Oklahoma. His family was large, consisting of five boys and three girls. During World War II, Jesse watched many of his friends leave home to fight. His determination to follow in their footsteps led him to enlist in the U.S. Navy at the young age of seventeen. Jesse had to forge one of his parent's signature to gain entry. Upon discovery of his deception, Jesse's parents decided to support his wish to serve. "They knew I was serious," Jesse said. "They let me go."
As World War II was nearing the end, Jesse decided to re-enlist in hopes of continuing his role as a radio operator and electronics technician. In 1945, he met and married a young lady named Reba. Together, they would raise four daughters. During his 26 years in the Navy, Jesse served as a radio operator in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. "I enjoyed my career in the Navy," Jesse said. "If I hadn't joined, I would have been picking cotton in Oklahoma otherwise."
After his retirement, Jesse and Reba moved to her hometown of Saltillo. Recently, the Mississippi State Veterans Home resident celebrated his 96th birthday. We are thankful for Jesse's long and distinguished service and wish him many more years of good health.
