Clement Pierre Elissondo moved from France to California at age six after his parents, Pierre and Gracieuse Elissondo, purchased the Glass House in 1932. He served his new country in World War II in the 3rd Battalion of the 3rd Armored Division of the 1st Army in France, Belgium, and Germany. He survived the loss of five tanks while participating in all five campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. He was in the first Allied unit to spearhead into Germany, received a Purple Heart, and was recognized for remarkable bravery and survival. The Elissondo family owned the Glass House and Ranch until 1998.