Illustration of James Forrestal, 1^st Secretary of Defense

An artist's sketch of James V. Forrestal, who served as Secretary of defense from September 17, 1947 until March 28, 1949.

Forrestal and his assistants

During his 18 months, Forrestal built a supporting staff around three special assistants–Wilfred J. McNeil, Marx Leva, and John H. Ohly–men of exceptionally high ability. One description of these early days reported that Forrestal “had no office, no staff, no organization chart, no manual of procedures, no funds, and no detailed plans.”

Forrestal gets a test flight in a Lockheed TF-80C

February 20, 1949

James Forrestal, Secretary of Defense, got the feel of jet flight during a 30 minute ride in a jet training plane, a Lockheed TF-80C, at National Airport. Here he climbs into the plane behind pilot, Captain Richard F. Kenney.

Forrestal receives Distinguished Service Medal

March 28, 1949

Retiring Secretary of Defense James V. Forrestal is shown as he received the Distinguished Service Medal from President Harry S. Truman in a surprise ceremony at the White House.