 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2008) |
Thomas S. Gates Jr. | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 3rd Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in Beijing | |
| In office May 6, 1976 – May 8, 1977 | |
| President | Gerald Ford Jimmy Carter |
| Preceded by | George H. W. Bush |
| Succeeded by | Leonard Woodcock |
| 7th United States Secretary of Defense | |
| In office December 2, 1959 – January 20, 1961 | |
| President | Dwight D. Eisenhower |
| Deputy | James H. Douglas Jr. |
| Preceded by | Neil H. McElroy |
| Succeeded by | Robert McNamara |
| 8th United States Deputy Secretary of Defense | |
| In office June 8, 1959 – December 1, 1959 | |
| President | Dwight D. Eisenhower |
| Preceded by | Donald A. Quarles |
| Succeeded by | James H. Douglas Jr. |
| 54th United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office April 1, 1957 – June 8, 1959 | |
| President | Dwight D. Eisenhower |
| Deputy | William B. Franke |
| Preceded by | Charles Thomas |
| Succeeded by | William B. Franke |
| 9th United States Under Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office October 7, 1953 – April 1, 1957 | |
| President | Dwight D. Eisenhower |
| Preceded by | Charles Thomas |
| Succeeded by | William B. Franke |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Thomas Sovereign Gates Jr. April 10, 1906 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | March 25, 1983 (aged 76) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Millicent Brengle |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Thomas Sovereign Gates (father) |
| Education | University of Pennsylvania (BA) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Rank | Lieutenant Commander |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Thomas Sovereign Gates Jr. (April 10, 1906 – March 25, 1983) was an American politician and diplomat who served as Secretary of Defense from 1959 to 1961 and Secretary of the Navy from 1957 to 1959, both under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.[1] During his tenure as Secretary of Defense, he established a task force to set nuclear target priorities. He also authorized U-2 reconnaissance flights, including the flight of Francis Gary Powers.
Later in his career, he served as the Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in Beijing, appointed by President Gerald Ford.
- ^ "Thomas S. Gates, Jr. - Dwight D. Eisenhower Administration". Office of the Secretary of Defense - Historical Office.