James Forrestal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Vincent Forrestal
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 47th United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office May 19, 1944 – September 17, 1947 |
|
| Preceded by | Frank Knox |
| Succeeded by | John L. Sullivan |
| 1st United States Secretary of Defense | |
| In office September 17, 1947 – March 28, 1949 |
|
| Preceded by | (none) |
| Succeeded by | Louis A. Johnson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 15, 1892 Matteawan, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 22, 1949 (aged 57) Montgomery County, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Josephine Ogden Forrestal |
| Alma mater | Dartmouth College Princeton University |
| Profession | Politician |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Rank | Lieutenant Junior Grade |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
James Vincent Forrestal (born February 15, 1892 – died May 22, 1949) was an important American leader. He was the last person to serve as the United States Secretary of the Navy. He then became the very first United States Secretary of Defense.
Forrestal strongly supported using aircraft carriers in the Navy. These large ships carry planes and are a key part of naval forces. Because of his work, the Navy's first supercarrier (a very large aircraft carrier) was named the USS Forrestal in 1954. The main building for the United States Department of Energy is also named after him. He is remembered at the United States Naval Academy through a special lecture series. Also, a campus of Princeton University is named the James Forrestal Campus.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Forrestal was born in Matteawan, New York, in 1892. When he was 16, he finished high school in 1908. For the next three years, he worked for different newspapers.
In 1911, Forrestal started college at Dartmouth College. He later moved to Princeton University. His classmates at Princeton thought he was "Most Likely to Succeed." However, he left college just before getting his degree.
Career Before Politics
In 1916, Forrestal began working as a bond salesman. He joined a company called William A. Read and Company. This company later changed its name to Dillon, Read & Co.. He stayed there until 1940, except for his time serving in World War I. He became a partner in the company in 1923. By 1937, he was the company's president.
When World War I started, Forrestal joined the Navy. He became a Naval Aviator, learning to fly planes. He trained with the Royal Flying Corps in Canada. During the last year of the war, he worked in Washington, D.C.. He was at the office of Naval Operations while finishing his flight training. He reached the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.
After the war, Forrestal worked for the Democratic Party in Dutchess County, New York. He helped local politicians win elections. One of the people he helped was Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Becoming a National Leader
On June 22, 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Forrestal to be a special assistant. Six weeks later, he was nominated for a new job: Undersecretary of the Navy. For almost four years, Forrestal was very good at this job. He helped American factories make many supplies for the war effort.
He became the United States Secretary of the Navy on May 19, 1944. As Secretary, he visited areas where naval forces were fighting. He was in the South Pacific in 1942. He was also present at the Battle of Kwajalein in 1944. In 1945, he saw the Battle of Iwo Jima.
In 1947, President Harry S. Truman chose him to be the first United States Secretary of Defense. Forrestal continued to push for all races to be treated equally in the military. This important policy was put into action in 1949.
Forrestal also had a strong belief about how to end World War II with Japan. He felt that a softer approach might have led to Japan surrendering sooner. He wanted to find a way for Japan to surrender peacefully.
Awards and Honors
For his service, President Truman gave Forrestal two important awards. He received the Distinguished Service Medal. He also earned the Medal of Merit.
Images for kids
-
The entrance to the National Naval Medical Center
-
Forrestal's grave at Arlington National Cemetery
See also
In Spanish: James Forrestal para niños
