CLAYTON J. ROBERTS, LTJG, USN

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall
Clayton Roberts '44

Date of birth: April 9, 1921

Date of death: March 28, 1945

Age: 23

Lucky Bag

From the 1944 Lucky Bag:

1944 Roberts LB.jpg

Clayton John Roberts

Warroad, Minnesota

This Minnesota Swede came to Annapolis from the shores of the Lake of the Woods. With a strong will and determination, "Doc" brushed aside such slight obstacles as "Steam" and math. Soon after trying football and basketball, this husky Swede found crew to be his sport. On any weekday afternoon he could be found in a shell on the Severn, on any Sunday, in the midst of the choir. Like any true crewman "Doc" became a "snake" at the hops. With a true fighting spirit, an ability to take rough treatment, and an ardent desire to give his best, "Doc" will become a valuable asset to our fleet.


The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

1944 Roberts LB.jpg

Clayton John Roberts

Warroad, Minnesota

This Minnesota Swede came to Annapolis from the shores of the Lake of the Woods. With a strong will and determination, "Doc" brushed aside such slight obstacles as "Steam" and math. Soon after trying football and basketball, this husky Swede found crew to be his sport. On any weekday afternoon he could be found in a shell on the Severn, on any Sunday, in the midst of the choir. Like any true crewman "Doc" became a "snake" at the hops. With a true fighting spirit, an ability to take rough treatment, and an ardent desire to give his best, "Doc" will become a valuable asset to our fleet.


The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

Loss

Clayton was lost when USS Trigger (SS 237) was sunk by Japanese vessels on March 28, 1945 in the East China Sea.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

In 1930, his father Burt was an inspector for U.S. Immigration, mother Lillian, sister Marion, and brother Richard.

He was survived by his wife, Mrs. Margaret Mary Roberts. Clayton has a memory marker in Minnesota.

Navy and Marine Corps Medal

From Hall of Valor:

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Junior Grade Clayton J. Roberts (NSN: 0-282878), United States Navy, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroic conduct during World War II

General Orders: American Battle Monuments Commission
Action Date: World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade


Class of 1944

Clayton is one of 66 members of the Class of 1944 on Virtual Memorial Hall.

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