![]() Laird also criticized McNamara's management and decisionmaking practices. In September 1966, characterizing himself as a member of the loyal opposition, he publicly charged the Johnson administration with deception about Vietnam war costs and for delaying decisions to escalate the ground war until after the 1966 congressional elections. He left Congress reluctantly, making it clear when he became secretary on 22 January 1969 that he intended to serve no more than four years.Īs a congressman Laird had supported a strong defense posture and had sometimes been critical of Secretary McNamara. ![]() A very active congressman, Laird became known for his work on both domestic and defense issues, including his service on the Defense subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. Subsequently reelected eight consecutive times, he was chairman of the House Republican Conference when Nixon selected him for the cabinet. He remained there until his election in November 1952 to the United States House of Representatives. The recipient of the Purple Heart and several other decorations, Laird left the Navy in April 1946.Ībout the same time, at age 23, Laird entered the Wisconsin State Senate, succeeding his recently deceased father. He received an ensign's commission in April 1944 and served on a destroyer in the Pacific. In 1942 he graduated from Carleton College in Minnesota, then entered the United States Navy as an enlisted man. Laird was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on 1 September 1922. ![]() Laird was the first member of Congress to occupy the position.
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