People named Clifford Risley

Clifford Risley, Moorpark As his B-24 descended into the steep canyon in what is now Taiwan, Moorpark resident Clifford Risley watched with fear as the three bombers before his were shot down by heavy ground fire. THEY MADE IT BACK—Paul Miller, seated far left, gathers with fellow crew members around the engine of a B-17 Flying Fortress after narrowly escaping death during a dangerous mission to bomb a Nazi rail yard in 1944. The B-17 pilot, Lt. John “Jack” Furrer, far right, shakes the hand of thefighter pilot who helped the damaged plane make it back to safety. Courtesy of Nannette Furrer THEY MADE IT BACK—Paul Miller, seated far left, gathers with fellow crew members around the engine of a B-17 Flying Fortress after narrowly escaping death during a dangerous mission to bomb a Nazi rail yard in 1944. The B-17 pilot, Lt. John “Jack” Furrer, far right, shakes the hand of thefighter pilot who helped the damaged plane make it back to safety. Courtesy of Nannette Furrer “It was scary,” said the WWII veteran, who was 19 at the time. “There was a mountain range on both sides (of the canyon), and the Japanese had it protected with aircraft guns at all altitudes.” Clifford Risley, Moorpark As his B-24 descended into the steep canyon in what is now Taiwan, Moorpark resident Clifford Risley watched with fear as the three bombers before his were shot down by heavy ground fire. THEY MADE IT BACK—Paul Miller, seated far left, gathers with fellow crew members around the engine of a B-17 Flying Fortress after narrowly escaping death during a dangerous mission to bomb a Nazi rail yard in 1944. The B-17 pilot, Lt. John “Jack” Furrer, far right, shakes the hand of thefighter pilot who helped the damaged plane make it back to safety. Courtesy of Nannette Furrer THEY MADE IT BACK—Paul Miller, seated far left, gathers with fellow crew members around the engine of a B-17 Flying Fortress after narrowly escaping death during a dangerous mission to bomb a Nazi rail yard in 1944. The B-17 pilot, Lt. John “Jack” Furrer, far right, shakes the hand of thefighter pilot who helped the damaged plane make it back to safety. Courtesy of Nannette Furrer “It was scary,” said the WWII veteran, who was 19 at the time. “There was a mountain range on both sides (of the canyon), and the Japanese had it protected with aircraft guns at all altitudes.” “We were under heavy fire,” said Risley, a navigator, who left active duty in 1945. “We got shot at, but not fatally. . . . I felt like God was protecting us.” The B-24s gradually gained altitude to climb out of the enemy’s range. It was but one of 44 missions Risley flew in World War II. Thankful to be alive, the Indiana native, who spent 17 years in the reserves, will join his fellow members of the American Legion during the American Legion Post 502’s Memorial Day service on Mon., May 27 in Moorpark. Monday is an important day, not just for veterans but for all Americans, said Jim Carpenter, the Moorpark post’s adjutant. “We need to honor the sacrifices made by the young men and women who put their lives on the line for our country.” Risley, a retired research director for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, said his memories of the war remain fresh in his mind. “You live with it all of your life,” he said. “Every day something brings back memories.” The married father of three said he looks forward to catching up with other local veterans. “There’s a special bond between anybody who serves,” he said. “You feel like you’re brothers.” —Stephanie Sumell

Clifford Randall Risley was born to Clifford Risley Jr. and Berneice Christine Striebel, and has siblings Cheryl "Cheri" Lynn Risley and Bruce Paul Risley. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Clifford Randall "Randy" Risley.

Clifford Risley of Houston, Harris County, Texas was born on May 2, 1890, and died at age 79 years old in January 1970.

Clifford D Risley was born on May 7, 1963, and died at age 40 years old on June 15, 2003. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Clifford D Risley.

Clifford Risley of Ohio was born on October 7, 1884, and died at age 79 years old in February 1964.

Clifford E Risley of Manchester, Hartford County, CT was born on April 20, 1907, and died at age 98 years old on August 5, 2005.

Clifford Risley of Storrs Mansfield, Tolland County, CT was born on December 9, 1902, and died at age 66 years old in November 1969.