Who was secretary of defense during World War 2?

James V. Forrestal, in full James Vincent Forrestal, (born February 15, 1892, Beacon, New York, U.S.—died May 22, 1949, Bethesda, Maryland), first U.S. secretary of defense (1947–49). Earlier, in the Navy Department, he directed the huge naval expansion and procurement programs of World War II.

Who was secretary of defense in 1942?

James Forrestal
Preceded by Frank Knox
Succeeded by John Sullivan
United States Under Secretary of the Navy
In office August 22, 1940 – May 16, 1944

Did the secretary of defense get killed in 1952?

(February 12, 1891 – January 22, 1952) was Under Secretary of War under US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the US Secretary of War under President Harry S. Truman.
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Robert P. Patterson
Died January 22, 1952 (aged 60) Elizabeth, New Jersey
Resting place Arlington National Cemetery
Political party Republican