James R. Schlesinger
James Rodney Schlesinger (February 15, 1929 โ March 27, 2014) was an American economist and public servant who was best known for serving as Secretary of Defense from 1973 to 1975 under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Prior to becoming Secretary of Defense, he served as Chair of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) from 1971 to 1973, and as CIA Director for a few months in 1973. He became America's first Secretary of Energy under Jimmy Carter in 1977, serving until 1979. While Secretary of Defense, he opposed amnesty for draft resisters and pressed for development of more sophisticated nuclear weapon systems. Additionally, his support for the A-10 and the lightweight fighter program (later the F-16) helped ensure that they were carried to completion.
Known For
Credits
- 2011 ยทThe Man Nobody Knew: In Search of My Father, CIA Spymaster William Colbyas Self
- 2008 ยทHenry Kissinger: Secrets of a Superpoweras Self
- 2007 ยทGhosts of Abu Ghraibas Self (archive footage)
- 2005 ยทU.S. Strategic Nuclear Policyas Self
- 1995 ยทThe Fall of Saigonas Self
- 1992 ยทThe Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Poweras Self
- 1979 ยทFirst Strikeas Self
- 1974 ยทNOVAas Self (archive footage)
- 1968 ยท60 Minutesas Self