Paul Ignatius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Ignatius
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| 59th United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office September 1, 1967 – January 24, 1969 |
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| President | Lyndon B. Johnson Richard Nixon |
| Preceded by | Charles F. Baird (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | John Chafee |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Paul Robert Ignatius
November 11, 1920 Glendale, California, U.S. |
| Spouse |
Nancy Sharpless Weiser
(m. 1947; died 2019) |
| Children | 4, including David and Adi |
| Education | |
Paul Robert Ignatius (born November 11, 1920) is a very important American government official. He served as the Secretary of the Navy from 1967 to 1969. Before that, he was the Assistant Secretary of Defense during the time Lyndon B. Johnson was president. He is known for being the oldest living former U.S. government official.
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Early Life and Education
Paul Ignatius was born in 1920 in Glendale, California. His parents were from Armenia and moved to the United States.
He studied at the University of Southern California, where he earned his bachelor's degree. Later, he went to Harvard Business School and received his master's degree in business.
During World War II, Ignatius served in the U.S. Navy as an officer. He worked on an aircraft carrier called the USS Manila Bay in the Pacific Ocean.
A Career in Government Service
Paul Ignatius had a long and impressive career working for the U.S. government. He held several important positions:
- He was the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations and Logistics. This role involved managing military bases and supplies.
- He became the Under Secretary of the Army.
- From 1967 to 1969, he served as the Secretary of the Navy. In this role, he was in charge of the entire U.S. Navy.
As Secretary of the Navy, Paul Ignatius presented the Medal of Honor to Captain William Loren McGonagle. This medal is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. Captain McGonagle received it for his heroic actions during the 1967 USS Liberty incident.
Usually, the President of the United States presents the Medal of Honor at the White House. However, Captain McGonagle received his medal at the Washington Navy Yard. This was a very unusual way to present such an important award.
Life After Government
After his time in government, Paul Ignatius continued to be active.
- He started a company called Harbridge House, Inc., which was a business consulting and research firm.
- He also served as the president of The Washington Post newspaper.
- He was the chairman, president, and CEO of the Air Transport Association, which represents major U.S. airlines.
Family Life
Paul Ignatius married Nancy Weiser Sharpless in 1947. They were married for many years until Nancy passed away in 2019. They had four children together: two sons and two daughters.
- His son, David Ignatius, is a well-known writer for The Washington Post and also writes novels.
- His other son, Adi Ignatius, is the editor-in-chief of Harvard Business Review, a famous business magazine.
- His daughters, Sarah and Amy, both became lawyers. Amy Ignatius is now a judge in New Hampshire.
Paul Ignatius turned 100 years old on November 11, 2020. He lives in Washington D.C..
Legacy and Recognition
Paul Ignatius has been honored for his service to the country. On May 23, 2013, the U.S. Navy announced that a new warship would be named after him. This ship is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer called the USS Paul Ignatius (DDG-117). The ship officially joined the Navy on July 27, 2019, in Port Everglades, Florida.
