Roy Frank Claytor Sr. was born on January 21, 1917, in Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama. He was the son of Roy Festus Claytor. He was married to Mary Lunita Johnson Claytor. He studied Agricultural Engineering at Auburn University before joining the Army in 1941. He served in the 350th Bomber Squadron, 100th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Lieutenant and Pilot of B-17 #42-5867 also known as 'Alice From Dallas' during World War II.

On August 17, 1943, during a mission targeting a Messerschmitt aircraft factory in Regensburg, Germany, the aircraft was hit over Belgium, leading to its crash near Genk. Two crew members perished, three were captured as prisoners of war, and five escaped with assistance from Belgian resistance groups, returning to England through the Comet Line, a network aiding Allied service members in evading Nazi capture.

Lt Claytor evaded capture and returned to the US. After the war, he continued his career in the U.S. Air Force, flying B-29s during the Korean War and serving in Strategic Air Command, Alaskan Air Command, Pacific Air Forces, and the Military Airlift Command. He was deployed to Thailand during the Vietnam War (1965–1966), flying support missions into Vietnam until 1969–1970.

He was promoted to Colonel in 1968 and retired as a Grade P.E. in 1970. In retirement, he worked in real estate with H. P. Blanks until his passing on September 18, 2003. Col Claytor is now buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama, USA.

Source of information: www.dvidshub.net, www.findagrave.com