[2] Clemons graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1945 and enlisted in the Army, serving for eighteen months before being appointed to West Point.

[3] Clemons was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross while serving as a platoon leader in Company K, 31st Infantry Regiment for "heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, October 28, 1952", a part of the Battle of Triangle Hill.

[3][5] On April 17, 1953,[3] after being assigned as the commanding officer of Company K while still a first lieutenant, he led the counterattack on Pork Chop Hill.

[7] In his Silver Star citation, Clemons's "gallantry, personal example, and outstanding leadership" was cited as the major factor in taking and holding the position, commenting further that "rarely in combat history has a force of the size committed on Pork Chop taken such losses ... and nevertheless continued to hold their position".

Clemons ordered his pilot to pick up and evacuate the wounded while he remained on the ground; he was awarded the Bronze Star with V device for valor.