GM1c Edward Jay Clough

Edward Jay Clough enlisted in the US Navy on December 15, 1933 in Council Bluffs, IA. He completed his basic training at the San Diego Naval Training Station and reported for duty aboard the U.S.S. Arizona on March 17, 1934.  He was killed on the U.S.S. Arizona at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, but he continues to be remembered in his home state of Nebraska thanks to scholarships supported by his sister.

Helen Clough helped establish the Nebraskans of World War II Scholarship Fund in honor of her only brother. It gives up to five $2,000 scholarships each year to high school students from home towns of Nebraska men killed on the Arizona. She first gave $10,000 and left $100,000 more upon her death in 1999.

The Cloughs were the children of farmers Stephen E. Clough and Elva Henderson Clough. Edward, born Aug. 24, 1913, was the oldest. Their mother died in February 1918. Though he remained in regular contact with his father and sister in Lincoln, Edward went to live on a farm between Shelby and Osceola, Nebraska, with an aunt and uncle, Lida Henderson Croisant and Albert Croisant. 

Edward attended school at Shelby through the 9th grade and was living in Lincoln when enlisted in the Navy in late 1933. He was a gunner’s mate and petty officer first class when he was killed.