William H. Webster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William H. Webster
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Webster as FBI director, around 1978
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| Chair of the Homeland Security Advisory Council | |
| In office August 10, 2005 – August 18, 2020 |
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| President | |
| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Joseph J. Grano Jr. |
| Succeeded by | William Bratton |
| 14th Director of Central Intelligence | |
| In office May 26, 1987 – August 31, 1991 |
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| President | |
| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Robert Gates (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Robert Gates |
| 3rd Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation | |
| In office February 23, 1978 – May 25, 1987 |
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| President | |
| Deputy | James B. Adams |
| Preceded by | James B. Adams (acting) |
| Succeeded by | John E. Otto (acting) |
| Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit | |
| In office July 18, 1973 – February 22, 1978 |
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| Appointed by | Richard Nixon |
| Preceded by | Marion Charles Matthes |
| Succeeded by | Theodore McMillian |
| Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri | |
| In office December 21, 1970 – July 18, 1973 |
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| Appointed by | Richard Nixon |
| Preceded by | Seat established |
| Succeeded by | John Francis Nangle |
| United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri | |
| In office January 1, 1960 – January 20, 1961 |
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| President | Dwight D. Eisenhower |
| Preceded by | Harry Richards |
| Succeeded by | Jeff Lance |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Hedgcock Webster
March 6, 1924 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | August 8, 2025 (aged 101) Warrenton, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 3 |
| Education |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Service years | 1943–1946 1950–1952 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Conflicts | |
William Hedgcock Webster (March 6, 1924 – August 8, 2025) was an American lawyer and judge who held some of the most important jobs in the United States government. He is famous for being the only person ever to be the director of both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
As a public servant, Webster was known for his integrity and dedication. He also served as the head of the Homeland Security Advisory Council, a group that gives advice on how to keep the country safe.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Education and Military Service
William Webster was born in St. Louis, Missouri. As a young man, he served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II.
After the war, he went to Amherst College and then earned a law degree from the Washington University School of Law. He served in the Navy again during the Korean War before starting his career as a lawyer and public servant.
Work as a Judge
Before his famous roles in Washington, D.C., Webster was a respected judge. In the 1970s, President Richard Nixon appointed him to be a federal judge. He served on two different important courts and was known for being a smart and fair judge.
Head of America's Top Agencies
Webster's reputation for fairness led him to be chosen to lead two of the nation's most important security agencies.
Director of the FBI (1978–1987)
In 1978, President Jimmy Carter asked Webster to become the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI is the main law enforcement agency for the U.S. government. It investigates serious crimes across the country.
It was unusual for a president to pick someone from a different political party for this job, but Webster was highly respected by everyone. His time as director is shown in the second season of the Netflix show Mindhunter.
Director of the CIA (1987–1991)
After leading the FBI for almost ten years, President Ronald Reagan appointed Webster to a new job in 1987: Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
The CIA is responsible for gathering information from other countries to help protect the United States. By leading both the FBI and the CIA, Webster became a unique figure in American history. After leaving the CIA in 1991, he returned to practicing law.
Later Life and Legacy
Homeland Security Advisor
Even after retiring from the CIA, Webster continued to serve his country. From 2005 to 2020, he was the chairman of the Homeland Security Advisory Council. He used his many years of experience to give advice on keeping the nation safe.
Though he was a lifelong Republican, Webster believed in putting the country first. In 2020 and 2024, he joined other national security officials in supporting the Democratic candidates for president, stating he felt it was in the nation's best interest.
Personal Life and Death
Webster was married to Drusilla Lane for 34 years, and they had three children. After she passed away, he married Lynda Clugston in 1990.
Webster celebrated his 100th birthday in March 2024. He passed away at a care facility in Virginia on August 8, 2025, at the age of 101.
Honors and Awards
Throughout his long career, Webster received many of the nation's highest awards for his service. These included:
- The Presidential Medal of Freedom
- The National Security Medal
- The Distinguished Intelligence Medal
Many universities also gave him honorary degrees to recognize his contributions to the country. He was also named "Man of the Year" by the St. Louis Globe-Democrat newspaper.
See also
In Spanish: William Webster para niños
