Advisor to seven US presidents following World War II, beginning with
Harry S. Truman.
Secretary of defense for the last 10+ months of President Lyndon B. Johnson's
term, 1968-1969.
Attended Washington University in St. Louis.
College classmate of actress Mary Wickes.
While in college directed a production of Princess Nita by Edmund Hartmann. Kay Thompson was the rehearsal pianist.
While attending Washington University he directed Si, Si, Senorita, a two-act comedy at St. Louis' American Theatre in May 1930. The play featured Mary Wickes and the musical director was Kay Thompson.
College classmates included Howard Morgens, future President of Proctor & Gamble; and, Kay Thompson, celebrated actress and nightclub performer and writer of the Eloise At The Plaza stories.