Robert Cutler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Cutler
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| 1st and 3rd United States National Security Advisor | |
| In office January 6, 1957 – June 24, 1958 |
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| President | Dwight Eisenhower |
| Preceded by | William Harding Jackson (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Gordon Gray |
| In office January 20, 1953 – April 2, 1955 |
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| President | Dwight Eisenhower |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Dillon Anderson |
| Corporation Counsel of Boston | |
| In office October 25, 1940 – July 28, 1942 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Parkman Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Robert H. Hopkins |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 12, 1895 Brookline, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | May 8, 1974 (aged 78) Concord, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | Harvard University (BA, LLB) |
Robert Cutler (born June 12, 1895 – died May 8, 1974) was an important American government official. He was the very first person to be named the president's National Security Advisor. He worked for US President Dwight Eisenhower in this role from 1953 to 1955 and again from 1957 to 1958.
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Robert Cutler's Early Life and Education
Robert Cutler was born on June 12, 1895, in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was the youngest of five sons in his family. His brothers included Elliott Carr Cutler, who became a famous surgeon and professor, and Johnny Cutler, a well-known Harvard football player.
Robert went to Harvard College. He dreamed of becoming an English teacher and a writer. He was very good at writing, even becoming the class poet. He graduated in 1916, ranking second in his class. After college, he taught at Harvard and Radcliffe College. He also wrote two novels: Louisburg Square (1917) and The Speckled Bird (1923).
Cutler's Service in World War I
During World War I, Robert Cutler volunteered to join the American Expeditionary Forces. He served in France as a first lieutenant. After the war ended, he spent eight months working with the 3rd Army Military Police in Germany. In 1922, he finished his studies at Harvard Law School.
Robert Cutler's Early Career in Law and Public Service
After law school, Cutler began working for a law firm. He also held important positions at different organizations. He was the treasurer for a hospital and the president of a group that helped communities. He also led a major fundraising drive in Boston in 1937.
On October 25, 1940, the Mayor of Boston, Maurice J. Tobin, chose Cutler to be the city's corporation counsel. This job meant he was the chief lawyer for the city.
Cutler's Role in World War II
On July 28, 1942, Cutler left his job in Boston to join the US Army. President Franklin Roosevelt nominated him to lead a special group called the Army Specialist Corps. He was given the rank of colonel. Later, he worked in the Procurement Division, which handled getting supplies for the army.
During the 1944 presidential election, he helped with the War Ballot Commission. This group made sure soldiers could vote. In December 1944, he received the Distinguished Service Medal for his excellent work.
In 1945, he worked on special projects for the US Secretary of War, Henry L. Stimson, and the US Army Chief of Staff, George Marshall. In October, he was promoted to brigadier general. He also received the Legion of Merit award for his "foresight and careful planning" and "unusual ability." He left the army on December 9, 1945.
Robert Cutler's Postwar Work
After the war, on January 9, 1946, Robert Cutler became the president of the Old Colony Trust Company. He was also chosen to be the president of Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. From 1947 to 1949, he led a large study of hospitals and health services in New England.
Cutler's Involvement in the 1952 Presidential Campaign
In 1952, Robert Cutler worked closely with Dwight Eisenhower during his presidential campaign. Cutler was Eisenhower's personal secretary on the campaign train. This meant he helped with many tasks, including writing speeches and giving advice. A news report at the time said Cutler was "probably closer to the candidate in a personal sense" than other top advisors.
Robert Cutler as National Security Advisor
On December 29, 1952, President-elect Eisenhower chose Robert Cutler to be his assistant for national security affairs. This was a very important job. In this role, Cutler helped make the National Security Council a key group for making big decisions about the country's safety.
He left this position on March 8, 1955. Dillon Anderson took over his role. On March 31, 1955, Cutler received the Medal of Freedom. This award was given to him for his "outstanding contribution to the security and defense of our nation."
Cutler returned to the National Security Council in May 1955 as a part-time helper. Then, on January 6, 1957, he took on the main leadership role again. He served until June 24, 1958, when Gordon Gray became his successor.
Robert Cutler's Later Years
In 1958, Governor Foster Furcolo nominated Cutler for a position on the Massachusetts Board of Regional Community Colleges. At first, his nomination was rejected. However, the Governor nominated him again, and on December 30, his appointment was approved.
On October 14, 1959, President Eisenhower announced that he would nominate Cutler for a new job. This job was to be an executive director for the new Inter-American Development Bank. Cutler was sworn into this role by Eisenhower on February 2, 1960. He resigned from this position on July 15, 1962.
In 1966, he published his memories in a book called No Time for Rest.
Robert Cutler passed away on May 8, 1974, in Concord, Massachusetts. He never married and did not have any children.
