James Forrestal

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

James Forrestal
1st United States Secretary of Defense
In office September 17, 1947 – March 28, 1949
President	Harry S. Truman
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Louis A. Johnson
48th United States Secretary of the Navy
In office May 19, 1944 – September 17, 1947
President	Franklin D. Roosevelt Harry S. Truman
Preceded by	Frank Knox
Succeeded by	John Sullivan
United States Under Secretary of the Navy
In office August 22, 1940 – May 16, 1944
President	Franklin D. Roosevelt
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Ralph Austin Bard
Personal details
Born	James Vincent Forrestal (1892-02-15)February 15, 1892 Matteawan, New York, U.S. (now Beacon)
Died	May 22, 1949(1949-05-22) (aged 57) Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.
Resting place	Arlington National Cemetery
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Josephine Ogden Stovall
Children	2, including Michael
Education	Dartmouth College Princeton University (BA)
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Navy
Rank	Lieutenant
Battles/wars	World War I

James Forrestal Media

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  Forrestal takes the oath of office as Secretary of the Navy from Rear Admiral Thomas L. Gatch, judge advocate general of the Navy on May 19, 1944. Ernest King, Chief of Naval Operations, stands to the right.

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  Forrestal arrives at the White House for a Cabinet meeting, c. 1945

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  Secretary of the Navy Forrestal pins Admiral Jonas H. Ingram with a Gold Star in lieu of a third Distinguished Service Medal on May 21, 1946

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  Forrestal with Admirals King and Nimitz in Washington, D.C., November 1945

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  Forrestal is sworn in as the first Secretary of Defense, September 17, 1947.

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  Forrestal lived at Prospect House in Washington, D.C.

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  National Naval Medical Center

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  Grave at Arlington National Cemetery