"HIS FINEST PERFORMANCES CAME IN THE 30s & 40s"

LONGTIME FBI DIRECTOR, J. EDGAR HOOVER, DIES AT 77

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 2, 1972, J. Edgar Hoover*, longtime director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, died as a result of complications of heart disease.  The Director was 77 years old.

J. Edgar Hoover became director of the Bureau of Investigation in 1924.  The bureau was rechristened the FBI in 1935.

Under Hoover's direction, the bureau set up an index card file system of 450,000 files on every radical leader, organization and publication in the United States.

In the 1930s, a fingerprint file, crime laboratory and training academy for agents were set up.  Burton Hersh writes...

"It may be that Hoover's finest performances came during the thirties and early forties, when much of American society was close to dissolution and powerful totalitarian movements...threatened...to upend our shaky constitutional arrangements.  

Hoover managed to penetrate extremist groups...rendering them harmless to the vulnerable New Deal."

 *John Edgar Hoover (1895-1972) was born in Washington, D.C. where he lived his entire life.  JEH earned his Bachelor of Laws degree & his LLM (1916-1917) from The George Washington University Law School.JEH was hired in 1917 by the Justice Department to work in the War Emergency Division.  

SOURCE

"Bobby and J. Edgar:  The Historic Face-Off Between The Kennedys And J. Edgar Hoover That Transformed America," by Burton Hersh, Carroll and Graf Publishers, New York,  2007.

 

 

J. Edgar Hoover (1940)

FBI Photograph

Library of Congress Image

 
 

"HE BUILT THE FBI INTO A MODERN ORGANIZATION"

JFK MEETS WITH J. EDGAR HOOVER AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 23, 1961, President John F. Kennedy met with F.B.I.* Director J. Edgar Hoover** in the Oval Office of the West Wing at the White House.

The meeting, which included Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, took place at 10 a.m. Eastern time. 

Mr. Hoover served as FBI Director under presidents from Coolidge to Nixon.

Biographer Kenneth D. Ackerman writes...

"For better or worse, (J. Edgar Hoover) built the FBI into a modern, national organization..."

*Federal Bureau of Investigation is the domestic intelligence & security service of the United States operating under the Department of Justice.  It was established in 1908 as the Bureau of Investigation & became the FBI in 1935.

**John Edgar Hoover (1895-1972) was born in the Capitol Hill area of Washington, D.C.  He was educated at The George Washington University & GWU School of Law (1917).  The FBI building in Washington, D.C. is named in his honor.

JEH became head of the General Intelligence Division of the Bureau of Investigation at the age of 24.  He became Director in 1924 & held that position until his death.  

 

 

JFK, JEH & RFK

The White House

February 23 1961

Photo by Abbie Rowe

JFK Library Image 

I HOPE THE U.S. ENJOYS YOUR LEADERSHIP FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME

J. EDGAR HOOVER DEAD AT AGE 77

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Long time FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover,* died 46 years ago today, May 2, 1972, of complications from heart disease here in the Nation's Capital.  Mr. Hoover, who was 77 years old, died in his sleep.

Having served as an assistant to Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer during the Red Scare,  Hoover was appointed Director of the Bureau of Investigation in 1924.   In 1935, the agency became known as the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Under his direction, the Bureau set up an index card system of 450,000 files on every radical leader, organization and publication in the United States during the 1920s.  In the 1930s, the FBI established a fingerprint file, a crime laboratory and training academy for FBI agents.  The Bureau also targeted organized crime figures during the decade.

In 1956, Hoover set up a secret counterintelligence program to target communists and radical organizations operating in the US.  President Dwight D. Eisenhower awarded Mr. Hoover the National Security Medal in 1955 while President Lyndon B. Johnson presented the Director with the State Department's Distinguished Service Award in 1966.

Much has been written about the stormy relationship between Hoover and the Kennedys.  There were, however, some times of civility.  When Hoover learned that Senator Jack Kennedy was recovering from his back operation in 1954, he wrote...

"It was with great regret that I learned of the suffering occasioned by your recent operation.  You have the heartfelt prayers and hopes of your many admirers."

Then in 1956, Bobby Kennedy wrote these words to J. Edgar Hoover...

"I hope the United States continues to enjoy your leadership for a long period of time."

Public Law 94-503 now limits the Director of the FBI to a single term of no more than 10 years.  Of course, that is subject to the discretion of the POTUS as James Comey can attest. 

*John Edgar Hoover (1895-1972) was FBI Director from its founding in 1935 until his death.  He was born in Washington, D.C. to Dickerson and Anna Maria Hoover.  He earned the LLB and LLM from the George Washington University School of Law in 1916 and 1917.

His 1st job was head of the Justice Department's Alien Enemy Bureau.   In 1919, he became head of the General Intelligence Division of the Bureau of Investigation and was appointed head of the Bureau by President Calvin Coolidge in 1924.

 FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover 

September 28, 1961

Library of Congress Image

FBI SPIKES RUMORS OF J. EDGAR HOOVER'S RETIREMENT

JFK GREETS J. EDGAR HOOVER IN OVAL OFFICE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 23, 1961, just over a month after his inauguration, President John F. Kennedy greeted long-time FBI director J. Edgar Hoover* in the Oval Office.

The President's brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, accompanied Mr. Hoover to the White House.

According to Greg Burnham, an FBI spokesman had earlier "spiked rumors that Hoover (was) planning to retire."

*J. Edgar Hoover (1895-1972) was FBI director from its founding in 1935 until his death.  JEH was born in Washington, D.C. & earned the LLB & LLM from George Washington University School of Law.  Hoover's first job was head of the Justice Dept's Alien Enemy Bureau & in 1919 became head of the General Intelligence Division of the Bureau of Investigation.

SOURCE

"J. Edgar Hoover, President John F. Kennedy and Attorney General Robert Kennedy", by Greg Burnham, www.assassinationofjfk.net/

JFK JEH & RFK
February 23, 1961
Photo by Abbie Rowe
JFK Library Image

FIVE MYTHS ABOUT J. EDGAR HOOVER

JFK+50:  Volume 5, No. 1937

MR. FBI DIED 44 YEARS AGO TODAY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Forty-four years ago today, May 2, 1972, J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, died of complications from heart disease here in the Nation's Capital where he served for so many years.  Mr. Hoover, who was 77 years old, died in his sleep.

Mr. Hoover began his career as an 18 year old clerk at the Library of Congress. After passing the bar on July 25, 1917, J. Edgar went to work at the Justice Department the following day.

Having served as an assistant to Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer during the Red Scare,  Hoover was appointed Director of the Bureau of Investigation in 1924.  In 1935, the agency became known as the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Under his direction, the Bureau set up an index card system of 450,000 files on every radical leader, organization and publication in the United States during the 1920s.

In the 1930s, the FBI established a fingerprint file, a crime laboratory and training academy for FBI agents.  The Bureau also targeted organized crime figures during the decade.

In 1956, Hoover set up a secret counterintelligence program to target communists and radical organizations operating in the United States.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower awarded Mr. Hoover the National Security Medal in 1955 and in early November 1960, Mr. Hoover wrote to President-elect John F. Kennedy to congratulate him on his election victory.

Passed 3 years after his death, Public Law 94-503 limits the Director of the FBI to a single term of no more than 10 years. Since Hoover's 48 year reign as Director (Bureau of Investigation and FBI), there have been 11 directors. Constitution Daily describes J. Edgar Hoover as "among the most-powerful government officials ever."

Since the Director's death there has been much speculation about J. Edgar Hoover.  Kenneth D. Ackerman of the Washington Post addresses five myths about Mr. FBI.  Following is a list of those myths followed by Mr. Ackerman's assessment of their validity.

1. HOOVER WAS A GAY CROSS-DRESSER
     The truth about his sex life is nearly impossible to pin down.

2. HOOVER'S SECRET FILES KEPT PRESIDENTS FROM FIRING HIM
     The Director's FBI files are now open at the National Archives for all
     Americans to see.

3. HOOVER WAS A COWARD WHO REFUSED SERVICE IN WWI
     Young Hoover was financially responsible for his family as his father
      suffered from mental illness.

4. HOOVER WAS AFRICAN-AMERICAN
     Possibly, but unproven.

5. HOOVER'S LEGACY IS A STAIN ON THE FBI
     For most of his life, JEH was an American hero, but 48 years of power
     is a recipe for abuse. 


*John Edgar Hoover (1895-1972) was FBI Director from its founding in 1935 until his death.  He was born in Washington, D.C. to Dickerson and Anna Maria Hoover.  JEH earned the LLB and LLM from the George Washington University School of Law in 1916 and 1917.

His 1st job was head of the Justice Department's Alien Enemy Bureau.   In 1919, he became head of the General Intelligence Division of the Bureau of Investigation and was appointed head of the Bureau by President Calvin Coolidge in 1924.

SOURCES

"Five myths about J. Edgar Hoover," by Kenneth D. Ackerman, The Washington Post, November 9, 2011, www.washingtonpost.com/

"J. Edgar Hoover:  The library clerk who became America's 'most-powerful man,'" Constitution Daily, www.blog.constitutioncenter.org/

FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover 

September 28, 1961

Library of Congress Image

                   

                   

FBI DIRECTOR J. EDGAR HOOVER DIED 41 YEARS AGO TODAY

FBI DIRECTOR J. EDGAR HOOVER DIED 41 YEARS AGO TODAY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation J. Edgar Hoover* died 41 years ago today, May 2, 1972, of complications from heart disease here in the Nation's Capital.

Mr. Hoover, who was 77 years old, died in his sleep.

Having served as an assistant to Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer during the "Red Scare",  J. Edgar Hoover was appointed Director of the Bureau of Investigation in 1924.  In 1935, the agency became known as the Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI.

Under his direction, the Bureau set up an index card system of 450,000 files on every radical leader, organization and publication in the United States during the 1920s.

In the 1930s, the FBI established a fingerprint file, a crime laboratory and training academy for FBI agents.  The Bureau also targeted organized crime figures during the decade.

In 1956, Hoover set up a secret counterintelligence program to target communists and radical organizations operating in the US.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower awarded Mr. Hoover the National Security Medal in 1955 while President Lyndon B. Johnson presented the long time FBI Director with the State Department's Distinguished Service Award in 1966.

Much has been written about the stormy relationship between Hoover and the Kennedys.  There were, however, some times of civility.

When Hoover learned that Senator Jack Kennedy was recovering from his back operation in 1954, he wrote...

"It was with great regret that I learned of the suffering occasioned by your recent operation.  You have the heartfelt prayers and hopes of your many admirers."

Then in 1956, Bobby Kennedy wrote these words to J. Edgar Hoover...

"I hope the United States continues to enjoy your leadership for a long period of time."

In early November 1960, Mr. Hoover wrote to President-elect John F. Kennedy to congratulate him on his election victory.

Passed 3 years after his death, Public Law 94-503 limits the Director of the FBI to a single term of no more than 10 years.  Since Hoover's 48 year reign as Director (Bureau of Investigation and FBI), there have been 11 directors. 

The current Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is Robert S. Mueller III.  He has held the position since 2001.

         FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover 
                   September 28, 1961
           Library of Congress Image

*John Edgar Hoover (1895-1972) was FBI Director from its founding in 1935 until his death.  He was born in Washington, D.C. to Dickerson and Anna Maria Hoover.  He earned the LLB and LLM from the George Washington University School of Law in 1916 and 1917.

His 1st job was head of the Justice Department's Alien Enemy Bureau.   In 1919, he became head of the General Intelligence Division of the Bureau of Investigation and was appointed head of the Bureau by President Calvin Coolidge in 1924.

J. Edgar Hoover, who never married, is buried in Washington, D.C.  

                   You Tube Video

                    You Tube Video

JACQUELINE KENNEDY, HISTORIC CONVERSATIONS: SEVENTH CONVERSATION XXIII

April 22, 2012


JACQUELINE KENNEDY, HISTORIC CONVERSATIONS: SEVENTH CONVERSATION XXIII


Knoxville, Tennessee (JFK+50) Today JFK+50 continues our report on the seventh conversation from "Jacqueline Kennedy, Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy," published by Hyperion.

The seventh conversation was recorded on June 3, 1964.


Arthur Schlesinger asks:


"Did the President often talk much about the things he would like to do?"


Jacqueline Kennedy answers:


"I know (Jack) was going to get rid of J. Edgar Hoover*, the minute (he was re-elected????) & he always said that those were the two things he did first-(keeping) Hoover & Allen Dulles**, which I guess he had to do at the time.


He couldn't have not."


Mr. Schlesinger then asks:


"Did he....ever talk about....what he would do with the FBI?"


Mrs. Kennedy responds:


"No, he didn't say who he'd make, & then Bobby was going to leave the Justice Department.  I think he might have made Nick Katzenbach*** the head, I'm not sure.


I know there was going to be a domestic peace corps....& I know he was going to do this (war on) poverty thing.


And I know he really cared about....Appalachia.  And he was going to Russia."


*J. Edgar Hoover (1895-1972) served as FBI director under 6 Presidents.  His long tenure only ended with his death at the age of 77.

                     J. Edgar Hoover (1961)
                             F.B.I. Director


**Allen Dulles (1893-1969) served as CIA director under Ike & JFK.  He was forced to resign after the Bay of Pigs.  LBJ appointed him as a member of the Warren Commission.


***Nicholas Katzenbach (1922-    ) served as RFK's deputy at the Justice Department & as Attorney General under LBJ.


JFK+50 COMMENT:


Tomorrow's entry will be the final report on Jacqueline's Kennedy's Historic Conversations.  We thank Caroline Kennedy for making the decision to release them on the 50th anniversary of the beginning her father's presidency (1961-2011).


We should remember that some of the views Mrs. Kennedy expressed were from, as Caroline has said, "a moment in time" & some of these views changed as the years passed.


If you have not listened to the recordings which are available with the book, JFK+50 recommends you do so.


You can access the Hyperion website by clicking on the icon on the lower right side of this blog.


Thank you for your interest.


John White
Knoxville, Tennessee
April 22, 2012