A memorial service will be held in the Chapel on April 8 at noon for Michael J. Cleary, a member of the Class of 2003. Michael Cleary was killed Tuesday, December 20, 2005, in Samarra, Iraq. Michael was the son of John "Pat" '68 and Marianne Cleary. Michael's sister, Erin Flanagan, is a member of the Class of 1991.
After graduating from Hamilton College, Michael entered the Army's Officer Candidate School. On December 20, 2005 he led his unit to a bomb factory that they destroyed and was returning from the mission when the unit was ambushed by insurgent forces. Michael served with E Company, 1st Battalion and 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division and had graduated from Airborne School, Ranger School and Anti-Terrorist School. Just prior to his death, Michael had been notified that he was eligible for a promotion to captain. Michael was 24 years old, and was scheduled to leave Iraq in just 10 days.
From the time he was a young boy growing up in Dallas, PA, Michael Cleary displayed outstanding leadership, scholastic and athletic abilities. He lived life to its fullest. Michael had his choice of academic scholarship offers for college, choosing Hamilton, where he played varsity soccer and lettered in varsity tennis. He joined Sigma Phi and became chapter president. Michael graduated from Hamilton in 2003 with a B.A. in Economics. Inspired by the events of 9/11, he was accepted into the Marine Flight Officer Program. Rather than delay, he opted for immediate entry in the Army OCS and was commissioned an officer upon graduation.
Although his life was cut dramatically short, the thousands who attended his funeral services are testament to the impact Mike made on those around him in his hometown community, the Hamilton community and around the world. His meritorious service to our nation was recognized with the Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and three campaign medals.
Memorial Service on College Hill
Saturday, April 8, 2006
Classmates and friends are invited to join the Cleary Family and the Hamilton College community in a service of remembrance Saturday, April 8 at noon. in the Chapel. The service will be followed by a reception for family and friends.
"He was very proud to have been in he ROTC program…While fully aware of the risks of his commitment, he was proud to wear his uniform to my office when he said good-bye, proud of having completed a Hamilton education, proud of his decision to serve his country. " –Professor Paul Hagstrom
"I can see him walking across the quad, always walking briskly with a great smile. He said he had learned that your efforts were most appreciated if you approached things with the most determination possible and the biggest smile." - Professor James Bradfield
"Away" from Afterwhiles (1887) by James Whitcomb Riley
I cannot say, and I will not say
That he is dead.—He is just away!
With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand,
He has wandered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be, since he lingers there.
Think of him still as the same, I say:
He is not dead—he is just away!
The First Lieutenant Michael J. Cleary '03
Scholarship Fund
A scholarship fund is being established to honor the memory of Michael Cleary at Hamilton College. The purpose of the fund shall be to perpetuate Michael's legacy. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a qualified and deserving student at Hamilton College. Students benefiting from the award will demonstrate the highest qualities of citizenship, commitment and spirit of service to Hamilton and the greater community.
You can help honor Michael and perpetuate his legacy on College Hill. Contributions may be directed to:
Trustees of Hamilton College
c/o Cleary Scholarship
Hamilton College
198 College Hill Road
Clinton, NY 13323
315-859-4617 or 866-729-0319
mmonty@hamilton.edu
Scholarship Committee Leadership
Jim Schoff '68, Co-Chair
jschoff@ddrc.com
Neil Thompson '03, Co-Chair
fivemountains@gmail.com
