Clarence Ekstrom
Encyclopedia
Clarence Eugene Ekstrom (March 10, 1902–January 11, 1986) was a naval aviator
and Vice Admiral
in the United States Navy
, who served during World War II.
, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy
in 1924.
In November 1940 Lieutenant Commander Ekstrom was the commanding officer of reconnaissance squadron VCS-9.
While a Captain, Ekstrom was awarded the Navy Cross
for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf
while commanding the escort carrier . His award citation reads:
From 11 July 1949 to 27 July 1950 Captain Ekstrom commanded the aircraft carrier .
Rear Admiral Ekstrom was awarded the 1954 William J. Kossler Award
, for the greatest achievement in the practical application or operation of a vertical flight aircraft that year.
In the late 1950s Ekstrom commanded Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea
.
He served as Commander, Naval Air Forces
, Pacific Fleet, (COMNAVAIRPAC) with the rank of vice admiral from 12 October 1959 until 30 November 1962.
Vice Admiral Ekstrom retired in 1962 and settled in Coronado, California
. He died on 11 January 1986.
United States Naval Aviator
A United States Naval Aviator is a qualified pilot in the United States Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.-Naming Conventions:Most Naval Aviators are Unrestricted Line Officers; however, a small number of Limited Duty Officers and Chief Warrant Officers are also trained as Naval Aviators.Until 1981...
and Vice Admiral
Vice admiral (United States)
In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and the United States Maritime Service, vice admiral is a three-star flag officer, with the pay grade of...
in the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
, who served during World War II.
Biography
Ekstrom was born in Waupaca, WisconsinWaupaca, Wisconsin
Waupaca is a city in Waupaca County in the state of Wisconsin. The population was 5,676 at the 2000 census. The city is believed to be named after Sam Waupaca of the Potowatomi tribe....
, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
in 1924.
In November 1940 Lieutenant Commander Ekstrom was the commanding officer of reconnaissance squadron VCS-9.
While a Captain, Ekstrom was awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf
Battle of Leyte Gulf
The Battle of Leyte Gulf, also called the "Battles for Leyte Gulf", and formerly known as the "Second Battle of the Philippine Sea", is generally considered to be the largest naval battle of World War II and, by some criteria, possibly the largest naval battle in history.It was fought in waters...
while commanding the escort carrier . His award citation reads:
- The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Clarence Eugene Ekstrom, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier , in a surface engagement with a large task force of the Japanese Fleet near the Island of Samar in Philippine waters during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Captain Ekstrom handled his ship at all times in a highly expert and seamanlike manner. By his courage, skill in combat, and determination, he gave encouragement to his officers and men and to his air personnel in a manner that caused his action to be largely instrumental in the defeat of the Japanese task force. Captain Ekstrom's inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.
From 11 July 1949 to 27 July 1950 Captain Ekstrom commanded the aircraft carrier .
Rear Admiral Ekstrom was awarded the 1954 William J. Kossler Award
William J. Kossler Award
This award is given by the American Helicopter Society International for the greatest achievement in practical application or operation of rotary wing aircraft, the value of which has been demonstrated by actual service during the preceding calendar year. The award consists of one certificate for...
, for the greatest achievement in the practical application or operation of a vertical flight aircraft that year.
In the late 1950s Ekstrom commanded Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by the Mediterranean region and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Anatolia and Europe, on the south by North Africa, and on the east by the Levant...
.
He served as Commander, Naval Air Forces
Commander, Naval Air Forces
Commander, Naval Air Forces is the aviation Type Commander for all United States Navy naval aviation units...
, Pacific Fleet, (COMNAVAIRPAC) with the rank of vice admiral from 12 October 1959 until 30 November 1962.
Vice Admiral Ekstrom retired in 1962 and settled in Coronado, California
Coronado, California
Coronado, also known as Coronado Island, is an affluent resort city located in San Diego County, California, 5.2 miles from downtown San Diego. Its population was 24,697 at the 2010 census, up from 24,100 at the 2000 census. U.S. News and World Report lists Coronado as one of the most expensive...
. He died on 11 January 1986.