20th-century American politician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Melvin Robert "Bom" Laird (September 1, 1922 – November 16, 2016) was an American politician and writer.[1] He was a U.S. congressman from Wisconsin before serving as Secretary of Defense from 1969 to 1973 under President Richard Nixon.
Melvin Laird | |
---|---|
10th United States Secretary of Defense | |
In office January 21, 1969 – January 29, 1973 | |
President | Richard Nixon |
Preceded by | Clark Clifford |
Succeeded by | Elliot Richardson |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 7th district | |
In office January 3, 1953 – January 21, 1969 | |
Preceded by | Reid Murray |
Succeeded by | Dave Obey |
Personal details | |
Born | Melvin Robert Laird September 1, 1922 Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
Died | November 16, 2016 94) Fort Myers, Florida, U.S. | (aged
Political party | Republican |
Spouse(s) | Barbara Masters (1942–1992) Carole Fleishman (1993–2016) |
Children | John Allison David Kimberly |
Alma mater | Carleton College |
Awards | Purple Heart |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch/service | ![]() |
Years of service | 1942–1946 |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Laird died from complications of congestive heart failure at a hospital in Fort Myers, Florida on November 16, 2016, aged 94.[2]