William Thaddeus Coleman, Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Thaddeus Coleman, Jr.
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Judge of the United States Court of Military Commission Review | |
In office September 21, 2004 – December 17, 2009 |
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Appointed by | George W. Bush |
Preceded by | Position established |
Succeeded by | Scott Silliman |
4th United States Secretary of Transportation | |
In office March 7, 1975 – January 20, 1977 |
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President | Gerald Ford |
Preceded by | Claude Brinegar |
Succeeded by | Brock Adams |
Personal details | |
Born | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
July 7, 1920
Died | March 31, 2017 Alexandria, Virginia, U.S. |
(aged 96)
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Lovida Hardin |
Children | Lovida William Hardin |
Alma mater | University of Pennsylvania Harvard University |
William Thaddeus Coleman, Jr. (born July 7, 1920 – died March 31, 2017) was an important American attorney and politician. He served as the fourth United States Secretary of Transportation. This means he was in charge of making sure transportation in the U.S. worked well. He held this job from March 7, 1975, to January 20, 1977.
Coleman Jr. passed away on March 31, 2017, at his home in Alexandria, Virginia, when he was 96 years old. He died due to health complications.
Contents
A Life of Public Service
William T. Coleman Jr. had a long and impressive career serving his country. He was known for his intelligence and dedication. He worked in many important roles throughout his life.
Early Life and Education
William Coleman Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a very bright student. He went to the University of Pennsylvania for his college studies. After that, he studied law at Harvard University. Getting a law degree from Harvard is a big achievement. It showed he was ready for a challenging career.
Serving the President
One of Coleman's most important jobs was being the United States Secretary of Transportation. He was chosen for this role by President Gerald Ford. As Secretary, he helped manage things like highways, railways, and air travel for the whole country. This was a very big responsibility. He worked to make travel safer and more efficient for everyone.
A Judge for Justice
Later in his life, William Coleman Jr. also served as a judge. He was a judge on the United States Court of Military Commission Review. This court deals with special legal cases related to the military. He was appointed to this position by President George W. Bush. This showed that leaders from different political parties trusted his judgment and legal skills.
Legacy and Impact
William T. Coleman Jr. is remembered as a pioneering figure. He was one of the first African Americans to hold such high-ranking positions in the U.S. government. His work helped shape transportation policies and legal practices. He left a lasting impact on American public service.
See also
In Spanish: William Thaddeus Coleman Jr. para niños