MCNAMARA GETS HIGH PRAISE & SOME CRITICISM
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On August 6, 1961, Mary McGrory of the Sunday Star reports that President John F. Kennedy's Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara* "is so far the success story of the Kennedy cabinet."
The characterization was actually made by the President himself who, according to McGrory, "is impressed by Mr. McNamara's spectacular intelligence (and) his grasp of the details of his job."
JFK+50 NOTE
JFK did not know Bob McNamara personally before the interview process for Secretary of State. Defense Secretary is ranked as the second highest administrative post of the government behind Secretary of State.
While many were impressed with RSM, some critics said "he runs (DOD) through a computer."
*Robert Strange McNamara (1916-2009) was born in San Francisco, CA & graduated from the University of California, Berkley & Harvard University Business School.
RSM served in the US Army Air Forces in WWII & was president of Ford Motor Company in 1960. He served as Secretary of Defense 1961-1968.
SOURCE
"McNamara Captures 'Most Useful' Title," by Mary McGrory, The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., August 6, 1961, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
