Clarence Ekstrom


Clarence Eugene Ekstrom was a naval aviator and vice admiral in the United States Navy, who served during World War II.

Biography

Ekstrom was born in Waupaca, Wisconsin, 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, 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.

Personal life

Ekstrom married Elizabeth "Betty" Lobdell in Seattle on 24 May 1939. They had two children, Martha and John, and four grandchildren, Dasho, Djuna, Cascade and Kalyn.