Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Vincent
Forrestal
1892-02-15

–

1949-05-22

Born:

Matteawan

, 

New York

Home:

Matteawan

, 

New York

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

A Naval Officer during World War II, James Forrestal was the last Cabinet-level United States Secretary of the Navy from 1944 to 1947, and the first United States Secretary of Defense from 1947 to 1949.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Civilian

    Action Date:

    September 18, 1947 – March 28, 1949
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 20 (April 14, 1949)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to the Honorable James Vincent Forrestal, a United States Civilian, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as The Secretary of Defense during the period 18 September 1947 to 28 March 1949.