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Alexander Haig
General Alexander Meigs Haig, Jr.jpg
General Alexander Haig, c. 1974
59th United States Secretary of State
In office
January 22, 1981 – July 5, 1982
President Ronald Reagan
Deputy William P. Clark Jr.
Walter J. Stoessel Jr.
Preceded by Edmund Muskie
Succeeded by George Shultz
7th Supreme Allied Commander Europe
In office
December 15, 1974 – July 1, 1979
President Gerald Ford
Jimmy Carter
Deputy John Mogg
Harry Tuzo
Gerd Schmückle
Preceded by Andrew Goodpaster
Succeeded by Bernard W. Rogers
5th White House Chief of Staff
In office
May 4, 1973 – September 21, 1974
President Richard Nixon
Gerald Ford
Preceded by H. R. Haldeman
Succeeded by Donald Rumsfeld
Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army
In office
January 4, 1973 – May 4, 1973
President Richard Nixon
Preceded by Bruce Palmer Jr.
Succeeded by Frederick C. Weyand
United States Deputy National Security Advisor
In office
June 1970 – January 4, 1973
President Richard Nixon
Preceded by Richard V. Allen
Succeeded by Brent Scowcroft
Personal details
Born
Alexander Meigs Haig Jr.

(1924-12-02)December 2, 1924
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died February 20, 2010(2010-02-20) (aged 85)
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Resting place Arlington National Cemetery
Political party Republican
Spouse
Patricia Fox
(m. 1950)
Children 3, including Brian
Education United States Military Academy (BS)
Columbia University (MBA)
Georgetown University (MA)
Signature
Military service
Allegiance United States of America
Branch/service  United States Army
Years of service 1947–1979
Rank US Army O10 shoulderboard rotated.svg General
Battles/wars Korean War
Vietnam War
Awards

Alexander Meigs Haig Jr. (born December 2, 1924 – died February 20, 2010) was an important American general and government official. He served as United States Secretary of State under President Ronald Reagan. Before that, he was White House Chief of Staff for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

Haig was a general in the United States Army. He held high positions like vice chief of staff of the Army and Supreme Allied Commander Europe. In 1973, he became the youngest four-star general in the U.S. Army's history.

Early Life and Education

Alexander Haig was born in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. His father passed away when Haig was nine years old. His mother raised him and his two siblings.

He first went to Saint Joseph's Preparatory School and later graduated from Lower Merion High School in 1942. Haig then studied at the University of Notre Dame for two years.

In 1944, he was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1947. Later, he earned a master's degree in business from Columbia Business School in 1955. He also earned a master's degree in international relations from Georgetown University in 1961.

Military Career

Korean War Service

After graduating from West Point, Haig served in the Korean War. He worked as an aide to General Alonzo Patrick Fox and General Edward Almond. He helped with important events like the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. For his brave service, he received two Silver Star medals and a Bronze Star medal.

Working at the Pentagon

From 1962 to 1965, Haig worked as a staff officer at the Pentagon. He was a military assistant to the Secretary of the Army and then to the Secretary of Defense. In 1966, he completed his studies at the United States Army War College.

Vietnam War Service

General Alexander Haig being presented with the Distinguished Service Medal by President Richard Nixon at the White House
Major General Alexander Haig receiving the Distinguished Service Medal from President Richard Nixon in 1973.

In 1966, Haig commanded a battalion in the 1st Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. In March 1967, his troops were surrounded by a larger enemy force. Haig flew in a helicopter to see the battle, and his helicopter was shot down. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during this battle.

He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart during his time in Vietnam. He was promoted to colonel and commanded a brigade.

Return to West Point

After his tour in Vietnam, Haig returned to the United States. He became a regimental commander at West Point.

Security Adviser and Vice Chief of Staff (1969–1973)

In 1969, Haig became a military assistant to Henry Kissinger, who was the National Security Adviser. A year later, he became the deputy assistant for national security affairs. During this time, he was promoted to brigadier general and then major general.

He helped with peace talks for the Paris Peace Accords in 1972. In January 1973, he became vice chief of staff of the Army. This was the second-highest position in the Army.

White House Chief of Staff (1973–1974)

Working for President Nixon

President Richard Nixon seated at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with Henry Kissinger, Alexander Haig, and Gerald Ford
Haig (far right) meeting with (left to right) Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, President Richard Nixon and Representative Gerald Ford in October 1973.

In May 1973, Haig became the White House Chief of Staff for President Richard Nixon. This was during the time of the Watergate scandal. Haig played a key role in keeping the government running while President Nixon was dealing with the scandal. He also helped persuade Nixon to resign in August 1974.

Working for President Ford

After Nixon resigned, Haig briefly stayed on as Chief of Staff for the new President, Gerald Ford. He helped Ford with the changeover. Haig then left the White House to return to the Army in September 1974.

NATO Supreme Allied Commander (1974–1979)

General Alexander M. Haig, Jr
General Alexander Haig during his time as Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

In December 1974, President Ford appointed Haig as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). This meant he commanded all NATO forces in Europe. NATO is a military alliance of countries that work together for defense.

As SACEUR, General Haig worked to make the relationship between the United States and other NATO countries stronger. He focused on improving training for U.S. troops in Europe. He also pushed for better equipment to prevent attacks in Western Europe.

On June 25, 1979, Haig was targeted in an assassination attempt in Belgium. A bomb exploded near his car, but he was not hurt. Three of his bodyguards were wounded. A group called the Red Army Faction was responsible.

Haig retired from the Army in July 1979.

Civilian Positions

After leaving the Army, Haig worked in the business world. He was president and director of United Technologies Corporation from 1979 to 1981. He also served on the board of directors for companies like MGM and America Online (AOL).

He hosted a television program called World Business Review for several years.

Secretary of State (1981–1982)

President Ronald Reagan and Alexander Haig meeting in the Oval Office
Secretary of State Alexander Haig with President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan nominated Haig to be his United States Secretary of State. This is the top diplomat for the United States. Haig was the second career military officer to hold this position.

After the Reagan Assassination Attempt

Al Haig speaks to press 1981
Haig speaking to the press after the attempted assassination on President Ronald Reagan.

On March 30, 1981, there was an attempt to assassinate President Reagan. While Reagan was in the hospital, Haig told reporters, "I am in control here." He meant that he was managing the White House crisis until Vice President George H. W. Bush arrived. It's important to know that the United States presidential line of succession states that the Vice President, then the Speaker of the House, then the President pro tempore of the Senate, come before the Secretary of State in line to become president.

Falklands War

Haig and Thatcher DF-SC-83-06152
Haig as Secretary of State with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1982.

In April 1982, Haig tried to help make peace during the Falklands War. This was a conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands. Haig traveled between the two countries to try and find a solution, but his efforts were not successful.

Resignation

Haig often had disagreements with other members of President Reagan's administration. He decided to resign from his position as Secretary of State on June 25, 1982. President Reagan accepted his resignation on July 5. George P. Shultz became the new Secretary of State.

1988 Presidential Campaign

Haig ran for president in the 1988 Republican Party presidential primaries. He did not win the nomination. He often criticized George H. W. Bush, who was Vice President at the time. After not doing well in early voting, Haig ended his campaign and supported Bob Dole.

Later Life and Death

Alexander Haig (48592036202)
Haig in 2000.

In 1980, Haig had heart surgery. After leaving the White House, he worked as a director for various businesses. He was also the host of the television program World Business Review.

On February 20, 2010, Alexander Haig passed away at the age of 85. He died from complications of an infection. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

President Barack Obama said that General Haig "exemplified our finest warrior–diplomat tradition." Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said he "served his country in many capacities for many years."

Family

Alexander Haig was married to Patricia Fox. They had three children: Alexander Patrick Haig, Barbara Haig, and Brian Haig. His younger brother, Frank Haig, is a Jesuit priest and physics professor.

Awards and Decorations

Haig received many awards and decorations for his military service. Some of them include:

Images for kids

See Also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Alexander Haig para niños

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