PFC Ken Clayton, III, of Smithville, TN graduated from United States Marine Corps boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC on October 30, 2020.

PFC Clayton successfully completed 13 weeks of intensive boot camp training at MCRD Parris Island as one of 51 recruits in Platoon 1072, 1st RTBN, Alpha Company.

While in recruit training PFC Clayton accomplished the following: Lead the Platoon to receive 1st place during Alpha Company Final Drill Inspection; Platoon Leader - Guide from day one of training until he retired his Guidon on Graduation Day; Promoted from PVT to PFC on a meritorious recommendation from his Senior Drill Instructor; Selected as Honor Graduate of his Platoon; Received a Challenge Coin from Major General Bohm, the Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command.

PFC Clayton is the son of Tish and Larry Cannon of Murfreesboro and Kenny Clayton, Jr. of Smithville. He is the grandson of Angele and the late Morris Watson of McMinnville; and Kenneth and Ellen Clayton of Smithville.

Following graduation, PFC Clayton immediately reported to Fort Geiger, Camp LeJeune for two months of infantry training and was picked up by Bravo Infantry Training Battalion. PFC Clayton’s permanent duty station (PDS), following ITB, will be determined at a later date.