William Graham Claytor Jr.
American government official (1912–1994)
Who was William Graham Claytor Jr.?
William Graham Claytor Jr. lived from March 14, 1912 to May 14, 1994. (March 14, 1912 – May 14, 1994) was an American attorney, United States Navy officer, railroad executive, and administrator of railroad, transportation, and defense affairs for the United States government, working under the administrations of three US presidents.
Career and public life
He is remembered for his actions as the commanding officer of the destroyer escort USS Cecil J. Doyle during World War II, which helped to save 316 lives during the USS Indianapolis tragedy. Over 30 years later, Claytor's moderate actions on behalf of the rights of female and gay service personnel as Secretary of the Navy were considered progressive for the time. His transportation career included ten years as president of the Southern Railway and 11 years as the head of Amtrak, guiding the passenger railroad through a particularly difficult period. He was named the Virginian of the Year in 1977.
Historical significance
Claytor was born in Roanoke, Virginia, on March 14, 1912, and grew up in both Virginia and Philadelphia. He was the son of Gertrude Harris Boatwright Claytor, a lyric poet, and William Graham Claytor (1886–1971), who was vice-president of Appalachian Power. was an American attorney, United States Navy officer, railroad executive, and administrator of railroad, transportation, and defense affairs for the United States government, working under the administrations of three US presidents.