Colonel Clifford Dale Warfield, USMC (Ret), a decorated Marine aviator, caring father, and proud American patriot passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025. He was 95 years old.
Born in Los Angeles, California, on October 14, 1929, Clifford was adopted by Percy and Neva Warfield and raised in Frankfort, South Dakota alongside his brother Don. Cliff graduated from Frankfort High School in 1947 and graduated from Huron College in 1952. Cliff taught high school for two years and coached baseball and basketball at Frankfort High School prior to his active-duty career.
Cliff’s career in the Marine Corps spanned over 30 years. Col. Warfield flew the A-4 Skyhawk. Cliff served with VMA-225 on the aircraft carrier USS Essex. During this mission the squadron, achieved a Naval Aviation record when every pilot in his squadron became a “Centurion”achieving 100 arrested landings during a single deployment on the same day.
Cliff completed a 13-month combat tour in Chu Lai, Vietnam. He flew 299 combat missionshis valor earned him numerous commendations, including theLegion of Merit with Combat “V”,two Distinguished Flying Crosses,24 Air Medals, theMeritorious Service Medal with gold star,Navy Unit Commendation,National Defense Service Medal, and aNumeral 21, symbolizing his exceptional number of combat sorties.
Cliff retired from military service in 1983. During retirement, Cliff enjoyed playing tennis while spending time with his family and friends. Cliff was a committed volunteer at the National Military Family Association (NMFA), and St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Falls Church, VA.
Cliff was married to Lois Borkowski Warfield, with whom he raised threechildren:Valorie Warfield Philips (Tim Philips),Vickie Warfield Thompson (David Thompson), andDavid Warfield (Rita DiLucia). In later years, his loyal partner wasMaureen Forcier, who brought joy and companionship to his life.
Cliff was a proud grandfather toElaina, Weston, Emmalee, Brian, andCassidy, and a cherished great-grandfather toConnor, Brenna, Nolan, Emslee, Norah, Adelyn, Brynlee, andLevi.
A celebration of Cliffords life and legacy will be held at a later date at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Falls Church, Virginia. Internment with full military honors will follow at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the National Military Family Association (https://www.militaryfamily.org/donate-now/) in honor of his lifelong service to his country.
May Clifford Dale Warfield rest in eternal peace, having lived a life of service. Semper Fi, Col. Warfield!
Leave a Reply