Elliott Roosevelt (general)

Elliott Roosevelt
Roosevelt receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross in Algiers
24th Mayor of Miami Beach, Florida
In office
June 1, 1965 – June 6, 1967
Preceded byMelvin Richard
Succeeded byJay Dermer
Personal details
Born(1910-09-23)September 23, 1910
New York City, New York, U.S.
DiedOctober 27, 1990(1990-10-27) (aged 80)
Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
Cause of deathHeart and liver failure
Spouses
Elizabeth Browning Donner
(m. 1932; div. 1933)
Ruth Josephine Googins
(m. 1933; div. 1944)
(m. 1944; div. 1950)
Minnewa Bell
(m. 1951; div. 1960)
Patricia Peabody Whitehead
(m. 1960)
Children5
Parent(s)Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt
RelativesRoosevelt family
EducationHun School of Princeton
Groton School
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army Air Forces
Years of service1940–1945
RankBrigadier General
Commands90th Photographic Wing
325th Photographic Wing
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsLegion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal (12)

Elliott Roosevelt (September 23, 1910 – October 27, 1990) was an American aviation official and wartime officer in the United States Army Air Forces, reaching the rank of brigadier general. He was a son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

As a reconnaissance commander, Roosevelt pioneered new techniques in night photography and meteorological data-gathering, but his claims to a distinguished record on combat missions have been largely discounted.

After the war ended, he faced an investigation by the United States Congress on charges of corruption, including accusations that he had recommended the purchase of the experimental Hughes XF-11 reconnaissance aircraft ahead of a Lockheed model that was believed to be superior. Ultimately, he was found blameless.

Roosevelt published a book about his attendance at several major Allied war conferences and a controversial exposé of his parents' private life. He also wrote 22 mystery novels. His career also embraced broadcasting, ranching, politics and business. He served as the 24th mayor of Miami Beach, Florida from 1965 to 1967.