W. Graham Claytor Jr., Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

W. Graham Claytor Jr.

American government official

Date of Birth: 14-Mar-1912

Place of Birth: Roanoke, Virginia, United States

Date of Death: 14-May-1994

Profession: lawyer, politician, military officer

Nationality: United States

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

William Graham Claytor Jr.
(March 14, 1912 – May 14, 1994) was an American lawyer, naval officer, and railroad, transportation and defense administrator for the United States government, working under the administrations of three US presidents. He is remembered for his actions as the captain of the destroyer escort USS Cecil J.
Doyle (DE-368), during World War II which helped to save 317 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.
He is also credited with a distinguished transportation career, including 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 in its history.
He was named the Virginian of the Year in 1977.