Aha!!! Figured it out...the part was a spring retainer on the clutch disc. There are one per spring hidden underneath the metal layer on the clutch disc. Here are some pictures.

Here I am pointing to the piece when it in place.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]83655[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]83656[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]83654[/ATTACH]

Thought this might help someone later.
If your car grinds when you try to start it, and you have an original and/or very old/worn clutch, perhaps this piece of metal has broken free and become lodged between the starter and flywheel.

Thanks