Clayton Fisher

Clayton Fisher (January 14, 1919 - January 3, 2011) was an officer in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS Hornet (CV-8). He would be awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Midway.

His award citation reads:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Clayton Evan Fisher, United States Naval (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHT (VB-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 6 June 1942. With utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Fisher participated in determined and effective bombing and strafing attacks on fleeing enemy Japanese forces, obtaining a successful hit on one of the enemy ships. His airmanship, courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Fisher was born on January 14, 1919 in Janesville, Wisconsin.

According to Peter C. Smith on the Steelnavy Website: "Clayton Fisher died in his wife's arms in the back of their car on Tuesday 3rd January 2011. His heart had been bad for many years but his brain was 100%

We should all honour and mourn his passing. Clayton was one of only two surviving SBD pilots from the Battle of Midway, the other is Dusty Kleiss. I met and stayed at the homes of both these men when researching that battle. They are the real Americans, doers rather than talkers and they won that, and other, battles by their deeds, NOT by sitting at desks speculating theories.

Clayton was a great man, really great when the word is overused. A true hero, brave and modest who just kept going back. When he ended his war in the Pacific he was back flying missions in Korea defending our freedom.

He flew from Hornet and what he saw he repeated to me face to face. Others mocked his version of events, but his memory was crystal clear I told his truthful story in my book, when many other historians refused to believe his version of events. Well, they can all go hang, I certainly believed what he told me, never doubted it, and will go on saying so as long as I am around, count on it.

Bravo Zulu Clay. Your certainly earned your peace."