Less than a month after reporting for active duty in 1917, Clement sailed for Haiti where he joined the 2nd Marine Regiment and its operations against rebel bandits.

The outbreak of World War II found Clement serving on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, Asiatic Fleet in the Philippines.

Although quartered at Corregidor, he served as a liaison between the commandant, 16th Naval District; the commanding general, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East; and particularly with the forces engaged on Bataan until ordered to leave on board the U.S. submarine Snapper (SS-185) for Australia in April 1942.

Returning to the United States in September, he was appointed president, Naval Retiring Board, and then director, Marine Corps Reserve.

In September 1949, he assumed command of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, holding that post until his retirement in 1952.