Bertram Tracy Clayton
Colonel, U.S. Army

Bertram Tracy Clayton was born on 19 October 1862 in Clayton, AL. He attended the U.S. Military Academy, graduating in 1886 with John J. Pershing. He resigned in 1888, intending to work as a civil engineer, but went on to serve with Troop C, New York Volunteer Cavalry (Brooklyn's Own) during the Spanish-American War in Puerto Rico, where he served with distinction.

After the war, Clayton served in the House of Representatives from 1899 until 1901, representing New York's Fourth District. After an unsuccessful re-election bid, he was appointed as a Captain in the Regular Army. He stayed on active duty and was eventually promoted to the rank of Colonel. He served in a variety of posts until World War I.

While serving in France with the 1st Infantry Division, Clayton was killed during a German air raid on American trenches. He was the highest ranking USMA graduate killed in action during the War.

Personal

His brother, Henry De Lamar Clayton, also served as a Member of Congress from their home state, Alabama. Their father, Henry De Lamar Clayton, Sr., was a prominent judge and Major General in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He was also President of the University of Alabama.

Death and Burial

Colonel Bertram Tracy Clayton was killed in action on 30 May 1918. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, with his wife, Mary Elizabeth D'Aubert Clayton.