W. Graham Claytor Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
W. Graham Claytor Jr.
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| President and CEO of Amtrak | |
| In office 1982–1993 |
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| Preceded by | Alan S. Boyd |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Downs |
| 18th United States Deputy Secretary of Defense | |
| In office August 21, 1979 – January 16, 1981 |
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| President | Jimmy Carter |
| Preceded by | Charles Duncan Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Frank Carlucci |
| 63rd United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office February 14, 1977 – August 24, 1979 |
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| President | Jimmy Carter |
| Preceded by | J. William Middendorf |
| Succeeded by | Edward Hidalgo |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Graham Claytor Jr.
March 14, 1912 Roanoke, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | May 14, 1994 (aged 82) Bradenton, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Frances Claytor |
| Education | University of Virginia (BA) Harvard University (LLB) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1941–1946 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Commander |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
William Graham Claytor Jr. (March 14, 1912 – May 14, 1994) was an American lawyer, Navy officer, and leader in transportation and defense. He worked for the United States government under three different presidents.
He is well-known for his brave actions during World War II. As commander of the destroyer escort USS Cecil J. Doyle, he helped save 316 lives after the USS Indianapolis tragedy. Later, as Secretary of the Navy, Claytor supported fair treatment for all service members. He also had a great career in transportation. He led the Southern Railway for ten years and Amtrak for 11 years. He guided Amtrak through a very challenging time. In 1977, he was named the Virginian of the Year.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Graham Claytor Jr. was born in Roanoke, Virginia, on March 14, 1912. He grew up in both Virginia and Philadelphia. His mother, Gertrude Harris Boatwright Claytor, was a poet. His father, W. Graham Claytor, was a vice-president at Appalachian Power.
Claytor went to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. He graduated in 1933. He then studied law at Harvard Law School, graduating with top honors in 1936. After law school, he worked for important judges. He was a law clerk for Judge Learned Hand and later for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis. Then, he joined a well-known law firm in Washington, D.C., called Covington and Burling.
Career Highlights
World War II: The Indianapolis Rescue
In 1940, when World War II began, 28-year-old Claytor wanted to join the United States Navy. At first, he was told he was too old. But he finally joined because of his experience with sports boating. He was sent to the Pacific Ocean to serve.
Late in the war, Claytor became the commanding officer of the destroyer escort USS Cecil J. Doyle. His ship was on patrol in the Pacific Ocean. In August 1945, Claytor heard reports of men floating in the water. He quickly sped to the area without waiting for orders. As his ship got closer at night, Claytor used the ship's searchlights. He shined them on the water and up into the low clouds. This lit up the night, even though it risked showing his ship to Japanese submarines.
His actions helped rescue survivors from the sunken cruiser USS Indianapolis. The Indianapolis had been on a secret mission. Due to a mistake, no one knew it was missing. About 900 men survived the sinking, but they spent days in the water fighting off sharks. Only 316 men were rescued from the 1199 who were on board. Claytor's quick thinking is widely praised for saving many lives.
Leading the Southern Railway
After World War II, Claytor returned to his law practice in Washington, D.C. In 1963, he joined the Southern Railway. He became its president in 1967 and served until 1977. Even with his legal background, Claytor was known for understanding how trains operated. He often rode the company's trains, watching and asking questions about their performance.
Unlike some other leaders, Claytor was seen as a "president for the employees." He often talked with train crews and asked for their ideas on how to make the railroad better. He carried this helpful attitude with him when he later became the head of Amtrak.
Serving the U.S. Government
From 1977 to 1979, Claytor served as the Secretary of the Navy under President Jimmy Carter. He helped the United States Navy recognize the right for women to serve on ships. He also worked to ensure fair treatment for all service members. His views were considered very forward-thinking at the time. They helped lead to more progress on these important issues years later.
In 1979, he was appointed Deputy Secretary of Defense. General Colin Powell worked as his military assistant during this time. For a short period in 1979, he also served as the Acting Secretary of Transportation.
Guiding Amtrak
In 1982, Claytor came out of retirement to lead Amtrak, the national passenger railroad. He was strongly supported by John H. Riley, who led the Federal Railroad Administration.
Claytor was very good at working with the U.S. Congress during his 11 years at Amtrak. Under his leadership, Amtrak became much more financially stable. By 1989, it was earning enough money to cover 72 percent of its operating costs. This was a big jump from 48 percent in 1981. He achieved this by carefully cutting costs and using smart marketing. He brought stability to the passenger train network. He kept the railroad running well, even when some government leaders tried to cut its funding.
Claytor retired from Amtrak in 1993.
Legacy and Recognition
In 1977, William Graham Claytor Jr. was named the Virginian of the Year. In 1989, Railway Age magazine named him Railroader of the Year.
His brother, Robert B. Claytor, also had a big impact on railroads. Robert became president of Norfolk and Western Railway in 1981. He was the first chairman and CEO of Norfolk Southern after it merged with Southern Railway in 1982. Robert Claytor is remembered for bringing back steam locomotives like the Class J 611 and Class A 1218. William Claytor Jr. would sometimes even drive these steam trains with his brother.
William Graham Claytor Jr. passed away on May 14, 1994.
To honor him, a passenger area at Amtrak's Washington, DC Union Station was renamed "Claytor Concourse." There is also a special exhibit about the Claytor brothers at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, Virginia. It is called "The Claytor Brothers: Virginians Building America's Railroad."
Images for kids
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Insignia for a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, Claytor's rank during WWII.
