Stephen Ailes

Stephen Ailes (March 25, 1912^[1] – June 30, 2001^[2]) was a prominent member of the District of Columbia Bar and a partner in the firm of Steptoe & Johnson. He served as the United States Under Secretary of the Army from February 9, 1961 to January 28, 1964^[1] and as United States Secretary of the Army from January 28 ,1964 to July 1, 1965. He attended West Virginia University, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity.

Early life and education

Stephen was born in Romney, West Virginia, on May 25, 1912^[1]. He attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia and graduated in 1929^[1]. He graduated from Princeton University in 1933^[1] and received his law degree from West Virginia University in 1936. He was admitted to the West Virginia bar in 1936^[1].

Legal Career

He was appointed assistant professor of law at West Virginia University, 1937 – 1940^[1]. He was prevented from military service due to color blindness^[3] but he was hired at the Office of Price Administration in 1942 until 1946^[1]. He served as counsel to the American Economic Mission to Greece in 1947, and then returned to private practice at Steptoe & Johnson in 1948 beforce entering government services.

Government Career

Stephan served as Under Secretary of the Army, 9 February 1961 until 28 January 1964^[1] and was then promoted to Secretary of the Army until 1 July 1965^[1].

Personal Life

Stephen married Helen 'Nellie' Wales on June 24, 1939^[2]. and had four children. He died on June 30, 2001 from a stroke at his home in Bethesda, Maryland^[2]. He is buried at his birthplace at Indian Mound Cemetery.

References

Stephen Ailes at West Virginia University