The Nov. 13th Schuylkill County Pennsylvania Military History blog by J. Stuart Richard had an entry about Clemens who died in Pottsville June 2, 1894 at the age of 56.
He fought at Fredericksburg where he charged up Marye's heights and became commander of Co. A 129th Pennsylvania upon the death of Capt. George J. Lawrence.
Even though in the army, Clemens was appointed Chief Signal Officer to Rear Admiral Porter in the attacks on Fort Fisher since it was to also involve land attacks by the army.
It was Clemens who gave the signal for the land attack to begin and Porter recommended him for "valor and dauntless courage" and he was appointed 2nd Lt regular US Army as a result.
After Richmond was captured, Porter invited him to accompany him and President Lincoln up the James River to Richmond. That was quite the honor.
On January 17, 1865, Porter wrote that Lt. W.W. Clemens taught the army code to at least one officer on each ship "which has enabled me to often communicate when naval signals would have been to no avail....Through Mr. Clemens I was in constant communication with General Terry, and was enabled to direct the fire of the New Ironsides to the traverses occupied by the enemy without fear of hurting our own people...."
Evidently, Lt. Clemens Deserves a Lot of Credit for the Operation's Success. --BR
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
