Background
Laird,, Melvin Robert was born on September 1, 1922 in Omaha. Son of Melvin Robert and Helen (Connor) Laird.
United States secretary of defense
Laird,, Melvin Robert was born on September 1, 1922 in Omaha. Son of Melvin Robert and Helen (Connor) Laird.
Bachelor, Carleton College, 1942. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Lincoln College, Illinois, 1971. Doctor Political Science (honorary), University Pacific, 1968.
HHD (honorary), St. Leo's College, 1969. Doctor of Laws (honorary), University Wisconsin, 1982. Doctor of Philosophy in Philanthropy, Human Services (honorary), Saint Mary's University, 1998.
Member Wisconsin State Senate, 1946-1952. Chairman Wisconsin Legislation Council. Member United States Congress from 7th Wisconsin district, 1953—1969, member Republican Coordinating committee.
Secretary United States Department Defense, Washington, 1969-1973. Senior counsellor for national & international affairs to President The White House, 1973-1974. Senior counsellor national & international affairs The Reader's Digest Association Inc., since 1974.
Served in United States Navy, 1942-1946.
Board directors World Rehabilitation Fund, Boys Clubs America, George Washington University, Airlie Foundation, Laird Youth Leadership Foundation, President's Reagan Moscow Assessment Review Panel, 1987. Trustee Kennedy Center. Chairman National Election Commission, 1986.
Co-chairman platform committee Republican National Convention, 1960, chairman, 1964. Member Military Order Purple Heart, 40 and 8, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, DAV. Clubs: Burning Tree, Augusta National Golf. Lodge: Masons.
Married Barbara Masters (deceased January 1992). Children: John, Alison, David. Married Carole Howard Fleischman, 1993.
1 stepdaughter, Kimberly.