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William Thaddeus Coleman, Jr.
William Thaddeus Coleman - Cabinet meeting.jpg
Judge of the United States Court of Military Commission Review
In office
September 21, 2004 – December 17, 2009
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
President Gerald Ford
Preceded by Claude Brinegar
Succeeded by Brock Adams
Personal details
Born (1920-07-07)July 7, 1920
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died March 31, 2017(2017-03-31) (aged 96)
Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
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.

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.

Some judges on the Court of Military Commission Review
Coleman, third from the left, being sworn into the United States Court of Military Commission Review.

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

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