Clarence Backhuus graduated from Neligh in the class of 1943 and was inducted into the Army in September 1944.  He received infantry training in Fort Hood, Texas.  He was assigned to the Pacific Theater of Operations arriving in Manila, Philippine Islands in early 1945 and was assigned to the 32nd “Red Arrow” Infantry Division.  He spent the next 18 months on the Island of Luzon and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for exemplary conduct in ground combat on May 23, 1945.  He was awarded medals for Philippine Liberation, Asiatic Pacific Campaign and WW II Victory.  He was discharged on November 17, 1946.  He was married to Ruth Duncan and moved to Michigan.  They had two children, Ann and John.