William Graham Claytor Jr.

American government official

Born: March 14, 1912 · Died: May 14, 1994

Economy & BusinessPolitics & Government

Who was William Graham Claytor Jr.?

William Graham Claytor Jr. (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. 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

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.

Related on thisDay

Amtrak — May 1, 1971

40 million passengers relied on 20 private railroads until Washington D.C. saw Amtrak's birth on May 1, 1971, changing US transportation forever.

Sources and further reading

Use the dated article for the day-specific account; use these references to check the event record and explore its wider historical context.

Date article: Amtrak — May 1, 1971 Wikipedia source

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MLA

“William Graham Claytor Jr.” thisDay, thisday.info/people/william-graham-claytor-jr/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

APA

William Graham Claytor Jr. (n.d.). thisDay. Retrieved October 26, 2026, from https://thisday.info/people/william-graham-claytor-jr/

Chicago

“William Graham Claytor Jr.” thisDay. Accessed October 26, 2026. https://thisday.info/people/william-graham-claytor-jr/.

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