William B. Franke

William Birrell Franke (April 15, 1894 June 30, 1979)[1] was an American businessman and government official. He was best known for his service as United States Secretary of the Navy from 1959 to 1961 under Dwight D. Eisenhower.

William Franke
United States Secretary of the Navy
In office
June 8, 1959  January 19, 1961
PresidentDwight D. Eisenhower
Preceded byThomas S. Gates Jr.
Succeeded byJohn Connally
Personal details
Born(1894-04-15)April 15, 1894
Troy, New York, U.S.
DiedJune 30, 1979(1979-06-30) (aged 85)
Rutland, Vermont, U.S.
Resting placeFairview Cemetery, Benson, Vermont
Political partyRepublican
EducationPace University (BS)
OccupationAccountant
Business executive
Government administrator

Biography

Franke was born in Troy, New York, the son of William G. and Helena E. (Birrell) Franke.[1] He was educated in Troy, and attended Pace College, where he graduated with a business degree and specialized in accounting.[1]

Business career

His career included position as an accountant, manager and executive with Cluett, Peabody & Company of New York City,[2] Naramore, Niles & Company of Rochester, New York and Touche, Nivin & Company of New York City.[1] He was later the senior partner in Franke, Hannon & Withey, a New York accountancy firm.[1] Franke was also a member of the board of directors of several other companies, including chairman of the board for the John Simmons Company of Newark, New Jersey and board of directors member for the General Shale Products Corporation of Johnson City, Tennessee and the Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio Railway.[2][1] In 1935 and 1936 Franke attracted notice when he completed audits of Louisiana State University following the assassination of Huey P. Long that exposed inconsistencies in university records and finances.[1]

Government service

From 1948 to 1951, Franke was a member of the United States Army Controller's Civilian Panel.[2] He was a Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense from 1951 to 1952.[2]

Franke served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller) from 1954 to 1957.[1] He served as Under Secretary of the Navy from April 1957 until June 1959.[2] As Secretary of the Navy at the end of the Eisenhower administration, Franke was instrumental in developing and implementing new, modern technology for the United States Navy, including the use of nuclear-powered warships.[1]

Later life

After retiring, he resided at his family's summer home, Pasture House, in Benson, Vermont.[3] He maintained an office in Rutland, where he worked as an investment counselor .[1] He was also a board of directors member and advisory board member for Vermont's Howard Bank.[1]

Death and burial

Franke died in Rutland after complications from gall bladder surgery.[1] He was buried at Fairview Cemetery in Benson.[4]

Honors and awards

In 1948, Franke received the honorary degree of Doctor of Science from the University of Louisville.[2] In 1955, he received an honorary LL.D. from Pace College.[2] He was awarded the Army's Patriotic Civilian Commendation,[2] the Department of Defense's Distinguished Service Award, and the Medal of Freedom to recognize his work at the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy.[1]

Family

Franke married the former Bertha Irene Ready of Schenectady, New York, who pre-deceased him.[1] They were the parents of three daughters, Phyllis, Anne, and Patricia.[1]

References

  1. "Obituary, W. B. Franke". The New York Times. New York, NY. July 2, 1979. p. 11.
  2. Naval History and Heritage Command (April 9, 2008). "Biography, William Birrell Franke". Modern Biographical Files. Washington, DC: Navy Department Library.
  3. "2279 Stage Rd, Benson, VT". Property in Benson, Vermont. OC Home Search. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  4. "Fairview Cemetery, Benson, Vermont". Voca58.org. Vermont Old Cemetery Association. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
Government offices
Preceded by
New Office
Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller)
October 4, 1954 April 16, 1957
Succeeded by
J. Sinclair Armstrong
Preceded by
Thomas S. Gates Jr.
Under Secretary of the Navy
April 17, 1957 June 7, 1959
Succeeded by
Fred A. Bantz
Preceded by
Thomas S. Gates Jr.
United States Secretary of the Navy
June 8, 1959 January 19, 1961
Succeeded by
John Connally


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