Clyde Borgstrom was born on February 15, 1916, in Thatcher, Utah. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 14, 1940, and completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, in December 1940. Pvt Borgstrom next attended Sea School at Marine Corps Base San Diego during December 1940, followed by service at Marine Barracks, San Diego, from December 1940 to July 1942. He was assigned to Company A, 2nd Aviation Engineer Battalion at Camp Elliott, California, in July 1942, and then deployed with his unit to New Caledonia, from October 1942 to January 1943. PFC Borgstrom deployed with his unit to Guadalcanal in January 1943, and remained there with the 2nd Aviation Engineer Battalion until he was killed from a falling tree on March 17, 1944. He was originally buried at the Army, Navy and Marine Cemetery at Guadalcanal the same day he died, and his remains were returned to the United States and buried at Riverview Cemetery in Tremonton, Utah, on June 25, 1948. Clyde Borgstrom was 1 of 4 brothers that were killed within 5 months of each other during World War II.

His Bronze Star Medal for Valor Citation reads:

For meritorious service during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, from 30 January 1943 to 17 March 1944. Serving with Company A, Second Aviation Engineer Battalion, First Marine Amphibious Corps, Private First Class Borgstrom participated with distinction in the capture and defense of Guadalcanal and the consolidation of the Southern Solomons. Performing his duties with skill and courage while under sporadic enemy attack, Private First Class Borgstrom, by his devotion to duty throughout this period and until he was fatally injured on 17 March 1944, contributed to the success of his Battalion, thereby sustaining the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.