James Forrestal

James Vincent Forrestal (February 15, 1892 – May 22, 1949) was a Secretary of the Navy and the first United States Secretary of Defense (1947–1949). He suddenly resigned the Defense position, took refuge in a mental hospital, and shortly thereafter committed suicide by throwing himself from the hospital window.

Early Life and Career

Forrestal was born in Matteawan, now Beacon, New York. After graduating from high school, he worked for newspapers for three years, entering Dartmouth College in 1911, and transferring to Princeton University a year later, although he left just short of a degree. After college, he went into business. When World War I broke out, he enlisted in the Navy and ultimately became a Naval Aviator. Following the war, Forrestal went to work as a bond salesman for William A. Read and Company (aka Dillon, Read and Company), rising to become president of the company in 1938. Forrestal, while working in England, once received a phone call from his two sons, who had missed their plane in Paris. Forrestal told the boys to work out the problem themselves and meet him in London. His sons were ages six and eight at the time. Forrestal's wife Josephine suffered from alcoholism and mental problems. By most accounts, Forrestal was a compulsive workaholic who was very cold and neglectful towards his family.

Related Topics:
Beacon, New York - High school - Newspaper - Dartmouth College - 1911 - Princeton University - World War I - Naval Aviator - Bond - Salesman - William A. Read and Company - Dillon, Read and Company - 1938

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