James Forrestal

James Vincent Forrestal (February 15, 1892May 22, 1949) was a United States Secretary of the Navy and the first United States Secretary of Defense.

James Forrestal
James Forrestal - SecOfDef.jpg
1st United States Secretary of Defense
In office
September 17, 1947 – March 28, 1949
PresidentHarry S. Truman
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byLouis A. Johnson
48th United States Secretary of the Navy
In office
May 19, 1944 – September 17, 1947
President
Preceded byFrank Knox
Succeeded byJohn Sullivan
United States Under Secretary of the Navy
In office
August 22, 1940 – May 16, 1944
PresidentFranklin D. Roosevelt
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byRalph Austin Bard
Personal details
Born
James Vincent Forrestal

(1892-02-15)February 15, 1892
Matteawan, New York, U.S. (now Beacon)
DiedMay 22, 1949(1949-05-22) (aged 57)
Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.
Resting placeArlington National Cemetery
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Josephine Ogden Stovall
Children2, including Michael
Education
Signature
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Navy
RankUS-O3 insignia.svg Lieutenant
Battles/warsWorld War I