Jack Brennan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack Brennan
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Brennan in 1969
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| Birth name | John Vincent Brennan |
| Nickname(s) | "Jack" |
| Born | August 16, 1937 Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | October 20, 2023 (aged 86) |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1956–1975 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards |
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John Vincent Brennan (born August 16, 1937, died October 20, 2023) was a brave officer in the United States Marine Corps. He also worked as an important helper for politicians. He is most famous for being the main assistant to U.S. President Richard Nixon after Nixon left office.
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Early Life and Education
Jack Brennan was born on August 16, 1937, in Fall River, Massachusetts. He went to Providence College, a Catholic school in Providence, Rhode Island. He graduated in 1959.
After college, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Vietnam War. There, he showed great bravery at the Battle of Khe Sanh. He earned two special medals: the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart Medal.
Career Highlights
Serving President Nixon
In 1969, Jack Brennan, who was a Major at the time, became a Marine Corps Aide to President Nixon. This meant he was a special helper from the Marines for the President. During this time, he was promoted to Colonel.
Brennan traveled with President Nixon on his very important trip to China in 1972. This trip helped open up relations between the United States and China. He was the first Marine to ever visit the People's Republic of China. He even met China's leader, Mao Zedong.
He also met Pope Paul VI, which was a special honor for him as a Catholic. Brennan stayed with President Nixon even when Nixon resigned in 1974. He was with the Nixon family on the helicopter and airplane that took them back home to California.
Nixon's Chief of Staff
After President Nixon left office, Brennan decided to leave the Marines. He became Nixon's chief of staff. This meant he was the main person in charge of Nixon's small team.
He managed their daily tasks, appointments, and mail. He also helped with their budget. Brennan was also a close friend and golfing partner to Nixon.
During this time, Brennan helped the Nixon family through tough health issues. Richard Nixon had a serious illness in 1974. His wife, Pat Nixon, had a stroke in 1976. Both recovered well.
The Frost/Nixon Interviews
As chief of staff, Brennan helped set up the famous Nixon Interviews in 1977. These interviews were with British journalist David Frost. Nixon was paid a lot of money for these talks.
The interviews were watched by a huge number of people on TV. They became the most-watched political interviews ever. Later, these interviews inspired a play called Frost/Nixon. This play was then made into a movie in 2008, also called Frost/Nixon.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jack Brennan lived in Palm Springs, California. He spent his summers in Little Compton, Rhode Island. He was a big supporter of the Providence College Friars sports teams.
He gave his important papers from his time working for Nixon to the college's archives. Jack Brennan passed away on October 20, 2023, at 86 years old.
Awards and Decorations
Jack Brennan received several awards for his service:
- Bronze Star with Valor device
- Purple Heart
- Army Commendation Medal
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Presidential Service Badge
