Captain John Bearclaw was a human Starfleet officer who commanded the USS Gallant in the mid-2280s. His son was William Bearclaw, a Starfleet officer aboard the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701).
On Stardate 8141.5, the Gallant was patrolling the Klingon Neutral Zone when the ship was suddenly attacked by four Klingon battlecruisers. Despite his attempt to put up a valiant fight, Bearclaw died along with his crew when the Gallant was destroyed.
Captain Bearclaw's death deeply affected his son, who blamed Gallant science officer Bryce for the loss. This grudge carried over to Bryce's daughter, Nancy, when both were posted to the Enterprise. (TOS comic #1: "The Wormhole Connection")