Clayton Isaacson attended Washington State University for three semesters before entering service in the U.S. Army Air Forces six months prior to the beginning of World War II. He flew his first World War II missions as a Bomber pilot in North Africa and returned home after 50 missions. Returning for a second tour, this time as a fighter pilot, he was credited with destroying five enemy aircraft, becoming an ACE. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and subsequently flew 123 combat missions in the Korean War. He retired on August 1, 1970, as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.
Sponsored by:
Clayton
Merlin
Isaacson
1919
–
December 6, 1996
Born:
Detroit Lakes
,
Minnesota
Home:
Mahnomen
,
Minnesota
Buried:
Arlington
,
Virginia
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Legion of Merit
-
Silver Star
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
July 5, 1968 – July 31, 1970
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Clayton Merlin Isaacson (ASN: 662454), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious service in duties of great responsibility. General Isaacson distinguished himself as Commander, 35th North American Air Defense Command/Air Division; Vice Commander, First Air Force; Commander, 23d Air Division; and Vice Commander, 23d North American Air Defense Command Region, from 5 July 1968 to 31 July 1970. During this period, General Isaacson’s dynamic leadership and personal endeavor were responsible for major improvements in operational effectiveness. His outstanding and dedicated efforts played a significant role in assuring a strong and viable aerospace defense capability for the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Isaacson culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
96th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
82d Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Clayton Merlin Isaacson (ASN: 662454), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 96th Fighter Squadron, 82d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
96th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
82d Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Clayton Merlin Isaacson (ASN: 662454), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 96th Fighter Squadron, 82d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
96th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
82d Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Clayton Merlin Isaacson (ASN: 662454), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 96th Fighter Squadron, 82d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Clayton Merlin Isaacson (ASN: 662454), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Isaacson and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
96th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
82d Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 1120 (June 18, 1944)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Clayton Merlin Isaacson (ASN: 662454), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 96th Fighter Squadron, 82d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Isaacson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.