J. William Middendorf facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
J. William Middendorf
ORE
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Middendorf in 1969
|
|
| United States Ambassador to the European Union | |
| In office July 12, 1985 – February 1, 1987 |
|
| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | George S. Vest |
| Succeeded by | Alfred H. Kingon |
| 10th United States Ambassador to the Organization of American States | |
| In office July 1, 1981 – June 20, 1985 |
|
| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Gale W. McGee |
| Succeeded by | Richard T. McCormack |
| 62nd United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office April 8, 1974 – January 20, 1977 |
|
| President | Richard Nixon Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | John Warner |
| Succeeded by | W. Graham Claytor Jr. |
| Under Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office August 3, 1973 – June 20, 1974 |
|
| President | Richard Nixon |
| Preceded by | Frank P. Sanders |
| Succeeded by | David S. Potter |
| United States Ambassador to the Netherlands |
|
| In office July 9, 1969 – June 10, 1973 |
|
| President | Richard Nixon |
| Preceded by | William R. Tyler |
| Succeeded by | Kingdon Gould Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John William Middendorf II
September 22, 1924 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | October 24, 2025 (aged 101) Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Service years | 1944–1946 |
| Conflict | World War II |
John William Middendorf II (September 22, 1924 – October 24, 2025) was an important American diplomat and government official. He served as the 62nd Secretary of the Navy from 1974 to 1977. He also represented the United States as an ambassador to the European Union from 1985 to 1987. Middendorf was known for writing books and articles about politics, security, and history. He had a long career dedicated to public service and national defense.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John William Middendorf II was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 22, 1924. He grew up in nearby Charleston, Maryland. He attended Charleston Normal School and Gilman School. Later, he went to Middlesex School, where he was part of the rowing team. He finished school in 1943. He was 17 when the attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II.
Middendorf earned a Bachelor of Naval Science (BNS) degree from College of the Holy Cross in 1945. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946. He worked as an engineer officer and navigator on a ship called USS LCS(L) 53. He left the Navy in 1946 after the war ended.
After his military service, he continued his education. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College in 1947. He was a member of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals and the Owl Club there. In 1954, he earned a MBA degree from New York University's Graduate School of Business Administration.
Career in Public Service
Before his government roles, Middendorf worked as an investment banker. In 1963, he started his own company, Middendorf, Colgate and Company. He was also involved in politics early on. He served as the treasurer for Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign in 1964. He continued as treasurer for the Republican National Committee from 1965 to 1969.
Ambassador to the Netherlands
In 1969, President Richard Nixon appointed Middendorf as the United States Ambassador to the Netherlands. This meant he represented the U.S. in the Netherlands. He held this important position until June 1973.
After returning to the U.S., Middendorf became the Under Secretary of the Navy. Soon after, he was promoted to Secretary of the Navy. He served in this top Navy leadership role from April 1974 until January 1977, under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
As Secretary of the Navy, Middendorf worked hard to improve the U.S. Navy. He helped increase the Navy's budget significantly. He supported important programs like the Ohio-class submarine and its Trident missile system. He also championed the Aegis Combat System, a missile defense system that became a long-running Navy project. Another key project he supported was the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet. He even arranged for it to be named "Hornet" to honor his ancestor, Captain William Stone, who had ships named "Wasp" and "Hornet" during the American Revolutionary War.
Diplomat for the Americas and Europe
After his time as Secretary of the Navy, Middendorf returned to the private sector. He later rejoined government service under President Ronald Reagan. He led the CIA transition team in 1980. Then, he became the U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS) from 1981 to 1985. In this role, he worked with countries across North and South America.
From 1985 to 1987, he served as the U.S. Representative to the European Union (then known as the European Community). This role involved working with European nations on important international matters.
Other Interests and Legacy
Beyond his government work, John Middendorf had many other talents and interests.
Author and Composer
He was a published author. In 2006, he wrote Glorious Disaster, a book about Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign. This book explored how that campaign helped shape the modern conservative movement in the U.S. In 2011, he published his autobiography, Potomac Fever, sharing stories from his life.
Middendorf was also a talented composer. He wrote several symphonies, including the Holland Symphony, which he presented to Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. He also composed 100 marches for ships of the U.S. Navy.
Community Involvement
Ambassador Middendorf was a member of the board of directors for the International Republican Institute. He also served on the board of trustees for The Heritage Foundation, a well-known research group in Washington, D.C. He was interested in art and studied stained glass production. He also served on the board of the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture.
Personal Life
John Middendorf was married to Isabelle Paine Middendorf. They had two children, a daughter named Frances and a son named John. John William Middendorf II passed away in Fall River, Massachusetts, on October 24, 2025, at the age of 101.
Awards and Recognition
John Middendorf received many honors and awards throughout his distinguished career.
Special Honors
He was recognized for his service with several U.S. government awards, including the Superior Honor Award from the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. He also received military medals for his service in World War II, such as the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
From other countries, he received honors like the Grand Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau from the Netherlands and the Order of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Brazil also honored him with the Grand Officer of the Order of Naval Merit.
His musical talents were recognized with the "Edwin Franko Goldman Award" from the American Bandmasters Association. He was also a member of the American Society of Composers and Performers (ASCAP).
Academic Achievements
Middendorf was awarded several honorary degrees from universities. These included a Doctor of Law from Troy State University and Doctors of Letters from the School of the Ozarks and American Christian College. He also received a Doctor of Social Sciences from Francisco Marroquin University.
