In Paducah, Ky, the part of 28th Street from Broadway to Park Ave., has been named "Joe Clifton Drive" was named in honor of Joe Clifton on August 15, 1944.
The Paducah Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Wednesday, August 16, 1944, p. 1
∼
Adm. Clifton
Dies At 59
In California
One of Paducah's most famous sons, Rear Adm. Joseph C. Clifton, died Sunday night at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif.
Adm. Clifton, 59, known as "Jumping Joe" for his prowess as an athlete, battled to the end. He was the victim of a circulatory ailment that struck him suddenly about two months ago.
At the end, he had lost both of his legs by amputation and a kidney, but he continued to battle his illness. Doctors said his spirit was "fantastic."
Adm. Clifton will be buried Friday in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington following a funeral mass.
He is survived by his wife, the former Virginia Cobb, and a brother, Robert Clifton of Gainesville, Fla.
Adm. Clifton was one of the finest athletes ever to compete for Tilghman High School. Later, he was a fine athlete at the Naval Academy.
He was a hero during World War II. Flying from the deck of the carrier Saratoga, he shot down five Japanese planes.
Since his retirement he had been with Litton Industries, Inc., an electronics manufacturing firm, at its Santa Monica office. He was a senior staff member of the company's guidance and control systems division of Woodland Hills, Calif., serving as director of operational requirements at the time of his death.
Last October he was playing handball when he complained of pain in his leg. He was hospitalized and in the next few weeks he underwent seven operations in an effort to stem the ravages of his ailment. An arterial obstruction forced the amputation of his left leg on Oct. 29 and his right leg on Dec. 4. A kidney was removed in another operation.
Clifton was born here on Oct. 31, 1908. He attended Tilghman High School, where he earned fame in several sports, particularly in football.
He attended the University of Kentucky for a year, then obtained an appointment to the Naval Academy. He was a fullback on the Navy team, and his exuberance and spirit earned him his nickname.
He received a bachelor of science degree from the academy in 1930 and two years later earned his pilot's wings.
Clifton served aboard the carriers Saratoga and Ranger and the light cruiser Trenton during the prewar years.
During World War II he returned to the Saratoga where he earned acclaim as a combat pilot.
He commanded Air Group 12 on the Saratoga and led a combined British-American "end around" air strike against Japanese held territory in Sumatra and Java. The British awarded him the Distinguished Service Order for his exploits in that operation.
Clifton was graduated from the Naval War College in 1954 and in 1958 was commissioned a rear admiral.
Altogether he logged about 10,000 hours in both propeller and jet aircraft.
For three years, beginning in 1954 Clifton was commander o f the Memphis Naval Air Station, then spent two years commanding Barrier Atlantic, the Navy's airborne early warning system based at Argentia, Newfoundland.
He served hitches as commander of naval Air Advanced Training at Corpus Christi, Texas in 1958-60 and of the Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific in 1960-61, then returned to Memphis for his last assignment, advanced training chief. He retired with highest honor June 28, 1963.
Besides the British DSO, Clifton held the Distinguished Flying Cross with Gold Star, the Legion of Merit with Gold Star and the Air Medal.
Adm. Clifton's body will be at Pierce Brothers Mortuary in Beverly Hills, Calif. until Thursday, when it will be flown to Washington for the final rites.
The Paducah Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Tuesday, December 26, 1967, p. 1 and 2
∼
Joe Clifton Remembered
Will Be With Pride
We are saddened by the death of Rear Admiral Joseph C. (Jumpin' Joe) Clifton, former Paducahan whose bravery and ebullient personality made him a legend as well as a hero of World War II.
Only a man of Clifton's courage and training could have so effectively concealed the fear and despondency he must have felt after a series of operations failed to stop the spread of cancer that eventually was to take his life. But his doctors reported that his fighting Spirit remained "fantastic" to the end. The retired admiral would have appreciated that remark.
Born at Marion, Ky. and reared in Paducah, Joe Clifton developed his natural flair for leadership on the athletic fields of Paducah, Lexington and Annapolis, Md. Then he combined his talents with hard study and persistent effort to climb the Navy ladder to success, starting as a combat pilot and ending up as commander of the Naval Air Station at Memphis, Tenn.
Admiral Clifton also commanded an air group and the U.S. Seventh Fleet during his long and colorful career. He was a credit to Paducah and to the people of this area who helped and encouraged him during his formative years. Many will be saddened by his passing, but he will be remembered with respect and pride.
The Paducah Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Thursday, December 28, 1967, p. 8∼
Glenn-Clifton Marriage In St. Petersburg.
The following announcement appeared In a recently published St. Petersburg, Fla., newspaper:
The marriage of Miss Ann Cudahy Glenn and Lieut. Joseph Clifton, was solemnized Sunday evening, December ninth, at seven o'clock in the home of Mrs. Whitney Payne, 629 Ninth Avenue. South, St. Petersburg, with the Rev. Boardman, pastor of the Congregational Church of Battle Creek, Mich., reading the ceremony.
Mrs. Payne attended the bride as maid of honor and Robert Clifton, of Paducah, Ky. was best man.
The bride is the daughter of Mrs. J. P. Cudahy, of Los Angeles, Cal., and wore for her marriage a brown velvet afternoon frock trimmed with gold. Mrs. Payne wore pale blue trimmed with ecru lace.
Lieut. Clifton. is the son of Mrs. Pearl Clifton, of Paducah, and is a graduate of Annapolis. He was varsity fullback at the academy for three years.
Following the wedding Mrs. Payne was host at a small dinner party after which the couple left for a short honeymoon trip in Bradenton, Fla. They are at home at 1621 Nineteenth Avenue, northeast, St. Petersburg.
The Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Sunday, December 23, 1934, p. 7
.
The Paducah Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Wednesday, August 16, 1944, p. 1
∼
Adm. Clifton
Dies At 59
In California
One of Paducah's most famous sons, Rear Adm. Joseph C. Clifton, died Sunday night at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif.
Adm. Clifton, 59, known as "Jumping Joe" for his prowess as an athlete, battled to the end. He was the victim of a circulatory ailment that struck him suddenly about two months ago.
At the end, he had lost both of his legs by amputation and a kidney, but he continued to battle his illness. Doctors said his spirit was "fantastic."
Adm. Clifton will be buried Friday in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington following a funeral mass.
He is survived by his wife, the former Virginia Cobb, and a brother, Robert Clifton of Gainesville, Fla.
Adm. Clifton was one of the finest athletes ever to compete for Tilghman High School. Later, he was a fine athlete at the Naval Academy.
He was a hero during World War II. Flying from the deck of the carrier Saratoga, he shot down five Japanese planes.
Since his retirement he had been with Litton Industries, Inc., an electronics manufacturing firm, at its Santa Monica office. He was a senior staff member of the company's guidance and control systems division of Woodland Hills, Calif., serving as director of operational requirements at the time of his death.
Last October he was playing handball when he complained of pain in his leg. He was hospitalized and in the next few weeks he underwent seven operations in an effort to stem the ravages of his ailment. An arterial obstruction forced the amputation of his left leg on Oct. 29 and his right leg on Dec. 4. A kidney was removed in another operation.
Clifton was born here on Oct. 31, 1908. He attended Tilghman High School, where he earned fame in several sports, particularly in football.
He attended the University of Kentucky for a year, then obtained an appointment to the Naval Academy. He was a fullback on the Navy team, and his exuberance and spirit earned him his nickname.
He received a bachelor of science degree from the academy in 1930 and two years later earned his pilot's wings.
Clifton served aboard the carriers Saratoga and Ranger and the light cruiser Trenton during the prewar years.
During World War II he returned to the Saratoga where he earned acclaim as a combat pilot.
He commanded Air Group 12 on the Saratoga and led a combined British-American "end around" air strike against Japanese held territory in Sumatra and Java. The British awarded him the Distinguished Service Order for his exploits in that operation.
Clifton was graduated from the Naval War College in 1954 and in 1958 was commissioned a rear admiral.
Altogether he logged about 10,000 hours in both propeller and jet aircraft.
For three years, beginning in 1954 Clifton was commander o f the Memphis Naval Air Station, then spent two years commanding Barrier Atlantic, the Navy's airborne early warning system based at Argentia, Newfoundland.
He served hitches as commander of naval Air Advanced Training at Corpus Christi, Texas in 1958-60 and of the Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific in 1960-61, then returned to Memphis for his last assignment, advanced training chief. He retired with highest honor June 28, 1963.
Besides the British DSO, Clifton held the Distinguished Flying Cross with Gold Star, the Legion of Merit with Gold Star and the Air Medal.
Adm. Clifton's body will be at Pierce Brothers Mortuary in Beverly Hills, Calif. until Thursday, when it will be flown to Washington for the final rites.
The Paducah Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Tuesday, December 26, 1967, p. 1 and 2
∼
Joe Clifton Remembered
Will Be With Pride
We are saddened by the death of Rear Admiral Joseph C. (Jumpin' Joe) Clifton, former Paducahan whose bravery and ebullient personality made him a legend as well as a hero of World War II.
Only a man of Clifton's courage and training could have so effectively concealed the fear and despondency he must have felt after a series of operations failed to stop the spread of cancer that eventually was to take his life. But his doctors reported that his fighting Spirit remained "fantastic" to the end. The retired admiral would have appreciated that remark.
Born at Marion, Ky. and reared in Paducah, Joe Clifton developed his natural flair for leadership on the athletic fields of Paducah, Lexington and Annapolis, Md. Then he combined his talents with hard study and persistent effort to climb the Navy ladder to success, starting as a combat pilot and ending up as commander of the Naval Air Station at Memphis, Tenn.
Admiral Clifton also commanded an air group and the U.S. Seventh Fleet during his long and colorful career. He was a credit to Paducah and to the people of this area who helped and encouraged him during his formative years. Many will be saddened by his passing, but he will be remembered with respect and pride.
The Paducah Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Thursday, December 28, 1967, p. 8∼
Glenn-Clifton Marriage In St. Petersburg.
The following announcement appeared In a recently published St. Petersburg, Fla., newspaper:
The marriage of Miss Ann Cudahy Glenn and Lieut. Joseph Clifton, was solemnized Sunday evening, December ninth, at seven o'clock in the home of Mrs. Whitney Payne, 629 Ninth Avenue. South, St. Petersburg, with the Rev. Boardman, pastor of the Congregational Church of Battle Creek, Mich., reading the ceremony.
Mrs. Payne attended the bride as maid of honor and Robert Clifton, of Paducah, Ky. was best man.
The bride is the daughter of Mrs. J. P. Cudahy, of Los Angeles, Cal., and wore for her marriage a brown velvet afternoon frock trimmed with gold. Mrs. Payne wore pale blue trimmed with ecru lace.
Lieut. Clifton. is the son of Mrs. Pearl Clifton, of Paducah, and is a graduate of Annapolis. He was varsity fullback at the academy for three years.
Following the wedding Mrs. Payne was host at a small dinner party after which the couple left for a short honeymoon trip in Bradenton, Fla. They are at home at 1621 Nineteenth Avenue, northeast, St. Petersburg.
The Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Sunday, December 23, 1934, p. 7
.
In Paducah, Ky, the part of 28th Street from Broadway to Park Ave., has been named "Joe Clifton Drive" was named in honor of Joe Clifton on August 15, 1944.
The Paducah Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Wednesday, August 16, 1944, p. 1
∼
Adm. Clifton
Dies At 59
In California
One of Paducah's most famous sons, Rear Adm. Joseph C. Clifton, died Sunday night at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif.
Adm. Clifton, 59, known as "Jumping Joe" for his prowess as an athlete, battled to the end. He was the victim of a circulatory ailment that struck him suddenly about two months ago.
At the end, he had lost both of his legs by amputation and a kidney, but he continued to battle his illness. Doctors said his spirit was "fantastic."
Adm. Clifton will be buried Friday in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington following a funeral mass.
He is survived by his wife, the former Virginia Cobb, and a brother, Robert Clifton of Gainesville, Fla.
Adm. Clifton was one of the finest athletes ever to compete for Tilghman High School. Later, he was a fine athlete at the Naval Academy.
He was a hero during World War II. Flying from the deck of the carrier Saratoga, he shot down five Japanese planes.
Since his retirement he had been with Litton Industries, Inc., an electronics manufacturing firm, at its Santa Monica office. He was a senior staff member of the company's guidance and control systems division of Woodland Hills, Calif., serving as director of operational requirements at the time of his death.
Last October he was playing handball when he complained of pain in his leg. He was hospitalized and in the next few weeks he underwent seven operations in an effort to stem the ravages of his ailment. An arterial obstruction forced the amputation of his left leg on Oct. 29 and his right leg on Dec. 4. A kidney was removed in another operation.
Clifton was born here on Oct. 31, 1908. He attended Tilghman High School, where he earned fame in several sports, particularly in football.
He attended the University of Kentucky for a year, then obtained an appointment to the Naval Academy. He was a fullback on the Navy team, and his exuberance and spirit earned him his nickname.
He received a bachelor of science degree from the academy in 1930 and two years later earned his pilot's wings.
Clifton served aboard the carriers Saratoga and Ranger and the light cruiser Trenton during the prewar years.
During World War II he returned to the Saratoga where he earned acclaim as a combat pilot.
He commanded Air Group 12 on the Saratoga and led a combined British-American "end around" air strike against Japanese held territory in Sumatra and Java. The British awarded him the Distinguished Service Order for his exploits in that operation.
Clifton was graduated from the Naval War College in 1954 and in 1958 was commissioned a rear admiral.
Altogether he logged about 10,000 hours in both propeller and jet aircraft.
For three years, beginning in 1954 Clifton was commander o f the Memphis Naval Air Station, then spent two years commanding Barrier Atlantic, the Navy's airborne early warning system based at Argentia, Newfoundland.
He served hitches as commander of naval Air Advanced Training at Corpus Christi, Texas in 1958-60 and of the Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific in 1960-61, then returned to Memphis for his last assignment, advanced training chief. He retired with highest honor June 28, 1963.
Besides the British DSO, Clifton held the Distinguished Flying Cross with Gold Star, the Legion of Merit with Gold Star and the Air Medal.
Adm. Clifton's body will be at Pierce Brothers Mortuary in Beverly Hills, Calif. until Thursday, when it will be flown to Washington for the final rites.
The Paducah Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Tuesday, December 26, 1967, p. 1 and 2
∼
Joe Clifton Remembered
Will Be With Pride
We are saddened by the death of Rear Admiral Joseph C. (Jumpin' Joe) Clifton, former Paducahan whose bravery and ebullient personality made him a legend as well as a hero of World War II.
Only a man of Clifton's courage and training could have so effectively concealed the fear and despondency he must have felt after a series of operations failed to stop the spread of cancer that eventually was to take his life. But his doctors reported that his fighting Spirit remained "fantastic" to the end. The retired admiral would have appreciated that remark.
Born at Marion, Ky. and reared in Paducah, Joe Clifton developed his natural flair for leadership on the athletic fields of Paducah, Lexington and Annapolis, Md. Then he combined his talents with hard study and persistent effort to climb the Navy ladder to success, starting as a combat pilot and ending up as commander of the Naval Air Station at Memphis, Tenn.
Admiral Clifton also commanded an air group and the U.S. Seventh Fleet during his long and colorful career. He was a credit to Paducah and to the people of this area who helped and encouraged him during his formative years. Many will be saddened by his passing, but he will be remembered with respect and pride.
The Paducah Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Thursday, December 28, 1967, p. 8∼
Glenn-Clifton Marriage In St. Petersburg.
The following announcement appeared In a recently published St. Petersburg, Fla., newspaper:
The marriage of Miss Ann Cudahy Glenn and Lieut. Joseph Clifton, was solemnized Sunday evening, December ninth, at seven o'clock in the home of Mrs. Whitney Payne, 629 Ninth Avenue. South, St. Petersburg, with the Rev. Boardman, pastor of the Congregational Church of Battle Creek, Mich., reading the ceremony.
Mrs. Payne attended the bride as maid of honor and Robert Clifton, of Paducah, Ky. was best man.
The bride is the daughter of Mrs. J. P. Cudahy, of Los Angeles, Cal., and wore for her marriage a brown velvet afternoon frock trimmed with gold. Mrs. Payne wore pale blue trimmed with ecru lace.
Lieut. Clifton. is the son of Mrs. Pearl Clifton, of Paducah, and is a graduate of Annapolis. He was varsity fullback at the academy for three years.
Following the wedding Mrs. Payne was host at a small dinner party after which the couple left for a short honeymoon trip in Bradenton, Fla. They are at home at 1621 Nineteenth Avenue, northeast, St. Petersburg.
The Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Sunday, December 23, 1934, p. 7
.
The Paducah Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Wednesday, August 16, 1944, p. 1
∼
Adm. Clifton
Dies At 59
In California
One of Paducah's most famous sons, Rear Adm. Joseph C. Clifton, died Sunday night at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif.
Adm. Clifton, 59, known as "Jumping Joe" for his prowess as an athlete, battled to the end. He was the victim of a circulatory ailment that struck him suddenly about two months ago.
At the end, he had lost both of his legs by amputation and a kidney, but he continued to battle his illness. Doctors said his spirit was "fantastic."
Adm. Clifton will be buried Friday in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington following a funeral mass.
He is survived by his wife, the former Virginia Cobb, and a brother, Robert Clifton of Gainesville, Fla.
Adm. Clifton was one of the finest athletes ever to compete for Tilghman High School. Later, he was a fine athlete at the Naval Academy.
He was a hero during World War II. Flying from the deck of the carrier Saratoga, he shot down five Japanese planes.
Since his retirement he had been with Litton Industries, Inc., an electronics manufacturing firm, at its Santa Monica office. He was a senior staff member of the company's guidance and control systems division of Woodland Hills, Calif., serving as director of operational requirements at the time of his death.
Last October he was playing handball when he complained of pain in his leg. He was hospitalized and in the next few weeks he underwent seven operations in an effort to stem the ravages of his ailment. An arterial obstruction forced the amputation of his left leg on Oct. 29 and his right leg on Dec. 4. A kidney was removed in another operation.
Clifton was born here on Oct. 31, 1908. He attended Tilghman High School, where he earned fame in several sports, particularly in football.
He attended the University of Kentucky for a year, then obtained an appointment to the Naval Academy. He was a fullback on the Navy team, and his exuberance and spirit earned him his nickname.
He received a bachelor of science degree from the academy in 1930 and two years later earned his pilot's wings.
Clifton served aboard the carriers Saratoga and Ranger and the light cruiser Trenton during the prewar years.
During World War II he returned to the Saratoga where he earned acclaim as a combat pilot.
He commanded Air Group 12 on the Saratoga and led a combined British-American "end around" air strike against Japanese held territory in Sumatra and Java. The British awarded him the Distinguished Service Order for his exploits in that operation.
Clifton was graduated from the Naval War College in 1954 and in 1958 was commissioned a rear admiral.
Altogether he logged about 10,000 hours in both propeller and jet aircraft.
For three years, beginning in 1954 Clifton was commander o f the Memphis Naval Air Station, then spent two years commanding Barrier Atlantic, the Navy's airborne early warning system based at Argentia, Newfoundland.
He served hitches as commander of naval Air Advanced Training at Corpus Christi, Texas in 1958-60 and of the Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific in 1960-61, then returned to Memphis for his last assignment, advanced training chief. He retired with highest honor June 28, 1963.
Besides the British DSO, Clifton held the Distinguished Flying Cross with Gold Star, the Legion of Merit with Gold Star and the Air Medal.
Adm. Clifton's body will be at Pierce Brothers Mortuary in Beverly Hills, Calif. until Thursday, when it will be flown to Washington for the final rites.
The Paducah Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Tuesday, December 26, 1967, p. 1 and 2
∼
Joe Clifton Remembered
Will Be With Pride
We are saddened by the death of Rear Admiral Joseph C. (Jumpin' Joe) Clifton, former Paducahan whose bravery and ebullient personality made him a legend as well as a hero of World War II.
Only a man of Clifton's courage and training could have so effectively concealed the fear and despondency he must have felt after a series of operations failed to stop the spread of cancer that eventually was to take his life. But his doctors reported that his fighting Spirit remained "fantastic" to the end. The retired admiral would have appreciated that remark.
Born at Marion, Ky. and reared in Paducah, Joe Clifton developed his natural flair for leadership on the athletic fields of Paducah, Lexington and Annapolis, Md. Then he combined his talents with hard study and persistent effort to climb the Navy ladder to success, starting as a combat pilot and ending up as commander of the Naval Air Station at Memphis, Tenn.
Admiral Clifton also commanded an air group and the U.S. Seventh Fleet during his long and colorful career. He was a credit to Paducah and to the people of this area who helped and encouraged him during his formative years. Many will be saddened by his passing, but he will be remembered with respect and pride.
The Paducah Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Thursday, December 28, 1967, p. 8∼
Glenn-Clifton Marriage In St. Petersburg.
The following announcement appeared In a recently published St. Petersburg, Fla., newspaper:
The marriage of Miss Ann Cudahy Glenn and Lieut. Joseph Clifton, was solemnized Sunday evening, December ninth, at seven o'clock in the home of Mrs. Whitney Payne, 629 Ninth Avenue. South, St. Petersburg, with the Rev. Boardman, pastor of the Congregational Church of Battle Creek, Mich., reading the ceremony.
Mrs. Payne attended the bride as maid of honor and Robert Clifton, of Paducah, Ky. was best man.
The bride is the daughter of Mrs. J. P. Cudahy, of Los Angeles, Cal., and wore for her marriage a brown velvet afternoon frock trimmed with gold. Mrs. Payne wore pale blue trimmed with ecru lace.
Lieut. Clifton. is the son of Mrs. Pearl Clifton, of Paducah, and is a graduate of Annapolis. He was varsity fullback at the academy for three years.
Following the wedding Mrs. Payne was host at a small dinner party after which the couple left for a short honeymoon trip in Bradenton, Fla. They are at home at 1621 Nineteenth Avenue, northeast, St. Petersburg.
The Sun-Democrat
Paducah, Ky
Sunday, December 23, 1934, p. 7
.
Inscription
Rear Admiral
United States Navy
U. S. N. A. Class of 1930
World War II -- Korea
Gravesite Details
RADM USN
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