Remembering Clinton Suggs: Widow of local war hero opens up about late husband

It was a chilling moment in U.S. history. The 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847.

Now, one of the brave men aboard that plane is being remembered for his courageous acts.

Clinton Suggs, who died earlier this month, was a deep sea diver in the U.S. Navy. On June 14, 1985, Suggs was the only black man among the 39 people taken hostage.

said Clinton Suggs in an interview with NewsCenter 16 more than 30 years ago.

Suggs became part of history when his flight from Greece to Rome was hijacked. He and fellow U.S. divers were held hostage by Lebanese terrorists. Suggs was targeted for carrying military identification instead of a passport.

"You're thinking about how to make sure that not only you but your closest buddies actually get out of this," said Carla Suggs, Clinton's wife who recalls stories her late husband told her of the traumatic event.

Clinton's close friend, Robert Stethem was murdered; his body, left on the tarmac.

"You're saying to yourself, I'm next, I'm next," said Carla Suggs.

Uli Derickson, the airline stewardess, has since been credited for her bravery during the attack.

"And [Clinton] said it several times throughout his life, that if it wasn't for her, there would have been many more killed," said Carla Suggs.

While Clinton survived the 17-day ordeal and returned to the United States safely, it is a moment in time that stayed with him until his death on June 6, 2017.

After more than 20 years in the Navy, he followed his roots back to Elkhart where he continued to serve his community, despite struggling with PTSD.

"He told me all about what happened on that plane and it's bothered him until the day he died," said Brent Curry, Clinton's friend.

"It was those quiet times when he was at peace with the world when he had no worries," said Carla Suggs.

As she goes through old newspaper clippings and photos Tuesday, Carla says her wish is that her late husband's legacy lives on.

"For God and country I want him to be remembered in a very loving and beautiful way," said Carla Suggs. "He gave me the world, he showed it to me and gave it to me at the same time, and I'll never ever forget the lessons he taught me."

Suggs earned the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (Hon.), Prisoner of War Commendation, Sailor of the Year Commendations, Navy/ Marine Corps Commendations, Humanitarian Service Medals and several others.

After serving in the military, Clinton Suggs became the Director of Safety in Elkhart, along with involving himself in charity work and mentorship programs.

Carla Suggs says Clinton never thought twice about helping someone else, always giving to others before giving to himself.

If anyone wants to share a memory about Clinton Suggs or speak at the celebration of life, Carla Suggs has asked NewCenter 16 to provide her email where members of the community can reach her: carlasuggs9@gmail.com.