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Thomas Sovereign Gates Jr.American statesman
Date of Birth: 10.04.1906
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Thomas S. Gates, Jr.: A Statesman in Service of the Nation
- Military Service
- Return to Civilian Life
- Secretary of Defense
- Post-Cabinet Career
- Legacy and Honor
Thomas S. Gates, Jr.: A Statesman in Service of the Nation
Early Life and EducationThomas Sovereign Gates Jr. was born on April 10, 1906, in Germantown, Pennsylvania, to Thomas Sovereign Gates Sr., an investment banker who later became President of the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1928, Gates worked for the investment firm Drexel and Company in Philadelphia, becoming a partner in 1940.
Military Service
In 1935, Gates joined the Naval Reserve. He was called to active duty in 1942 following the outbreak of World War II. After completing training in aerial reconnaissance, Gates served on the staff of Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic (CINCLANT) and participated in the American landings in North Africa. In 1943, he served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Monterey in the Pacific, taking part in the Tarawa invasion. He returned to the Atlantic in 1944-1945 and resigned from the Navy in October 1945.
Return to Civilian Life
After the war, Gates served as a director of the Beaver Coal Corporation and became its vice president in 1948. In 1953, President Eisenhower appointed him Under Secretary of the Navy. On April 1, 1957, Gates became Secretary of the Navy.
Secretary of Defense
In 1959, Gates succeeded Neil McElroy as U.S. Secretary of Defense. During his tenure, he established the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff to coordinate nuclear strike targets among the Air Force, Navy, and land-based missiles. Under Gates, the strategic arsenal expanded to include intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) such as Atlas, Titan, Minuteman, and Polaris submarine-launched missiles. Gates also oversaw the U-2 spy plane incident over the Soviet Union and the subsequent trial of its pilot, Gary Powers.
Post-Cabinet Career
Gates retired from government service in 1961. He served as a director and president of Morgan Guaranty Trust. President Richard Nixon appointed him to head a commission examining the transition from a draft to an all-volunteer military. From 1976-1977, Gates served as U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of China.
Legacy and Honor
Thomas S. Gates Jr. died in Philadelphia on March 25, 1983. He was survived by three daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The U.S. Navy guided missile cruiser USS Thomas S. Gates (CG-51) was named in his honor.
