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Oglethorpe University

Official Athletics Site of the Oglethorpe University Stormy Petrels

Hall of Fame

James Clifton McClanahan HOF

James Clifton McClanahan

  • Class
    1941
  • Induction
    2000
  • Sport(s)
    Baseball
James Cliffton “Cliff” McClanahan was a star baseball player and true Stormy Petrel. 
 
In 1938, McClanahan played baseball for the Rome, GA old textile league, the predecessor to today minor league Rome Emperorss. He later joined the Air Force and served in World War II, conducting many missions and raids over Germany. McClanahan remained in the service until 1962, serving in the Korean War and other conflicts. During his service, he earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses. Major McClanahan was a member of the 384th Bomb Group, Inc., The Schweinfurt Memorial Association, and was a charter member of the Eighth Air force Museum in Savannah, Georgia.   
 
After his retirement from the Air Force, Mclanahan became Director of Personnel for St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah. He also took up golf and gardening later in life. 
 
McClanahan was born August 10, 1917 in Trousdale County, Tennessee and passed away July 14, 2014 at the age of 96 after a battle with Alzheimer's. He and his wife Billie were married for 63 years and had three children and five grandchildren. 
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