Career
Born in New Jersey, Clemson was appointed a midshipman in 1836. He served in Saint Mary"s and the brig Somers during the Mexican–American War. Passed midshipman Clemson drowned on 8 December 1846 when Somers capsized off Vera Cruz in a squall while chasing a blockade runner.
United States Ship Clemson (Doctor of Divinity-186) was named in his honor.
The Mexican War Midshipmen"s Monument was erected at the United States Naval Academy in 1948. lieutenant is in the memory of Clemson and three other midshipmen who died at Vera Cruz.
The monument was at one time known as the Clemson Monument.
