Laird, Melvin R.
Laird, Melvin R. (1922– ), secretary of defense, 1969–73.Laird began his political career in the Republican Party after military service in World War II, serving in the Wisconsin State Senate (1946–52) and then in the U.S. House of Representatives (1953–69). President Richard M. Nixon appointed him secretary of defense in 1969.
Under Laird's leadership, the Pentagon experienced cuts in military spending, the closing of military installations, and withdrawal of forces in the Vietnam War. However, he pleased the services by ending many procurement policies of Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. During Laird's tenure, the United States under the Nixon Doctrine urged its allies to do more for their common defense via emphasis on regional alliances and increases in their defense...
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