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.
Clarence Eugene Ekstrom | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | Swede |
Born | Waupaca, Wisconsin | March 10, 1902
Died | January 11, 1986 | (aged 83)
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1924–1962 |
Rank | Vice Admiral |
Commands held | USS Savo Island USS Franklin D. Roosevelt United States Sixth Fleet Commander Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Awards | Navy Cross |
Ekstrom was born in Waupaca, Wisconsin, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1924.[1]
In November 1940 Lieutenant Commander Ekstrom was the commanding officer of reconnaissance squadron VCS-9.[2]
While a captain, Ekstrom was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf while commanding the escort carrier USS Savo Island. His award citation reads:
From 11 July 1949 to 27 July 1950 Captain Ekstrom commanded the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt.[3]
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.[4]
In the late 1950s Ekstrom commanded Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.[5]
He served as Commander, Naval Air Forces, Pacific Fleet, (COMNAVAIRPAC) with the rank of vice admiral from 12 October 1959 until 30 November 1962.[6]
Vice Admiral Ekstrom retired in 1962 and settled in Coronado, California.[5] He died on 11 January 1986.[1]
Ekstrom married Elizabeth "Betty" Lobdell (1912–2006) in Seattle on 24 May 1939. They had two children, Martha and John, and four grandchildren, Dasho, Djuna, Cascade and Kalyn.[5]