Staff Sergeant Thomas Wade “Turtle” Clemons, 37, Falls of Rough, Grayson County, Kentucky, died 11 December 2006 as he was preparing to go on patrol with his team near Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, when he succumbed to a heart attack while on federal active duty.

Clemons joined the Kentucky Army Guard in August 2000. Clemons deployed in March 2006 for his second year-long rotation to Iraq with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Armor in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Clemons' unit was providing force protection and security missions for the U. S. Army. He was a native of Leitchfield, Kentucky.

Clemons awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Global War on Terror Service Medal. He is buried in the Frank Embrey Cemetery, Caneyville, Grayson County.