W. Graham Claytor Jr. | |
|---|---|
 | |
| President and CEO of Amtrak | |
| In office 1982–1993 | |
| Preceded by | Alan S. Boyd |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Downs |
| 18th United States Deputy Secretary of Defense | |
| In office August 21, 1979 – January 16, 1981 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 attorney, United States Navy 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 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. 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.[1]