The Honorable James Vincent Forrestal was born February 15, 1892 in Matteawan (now Beacon), New York.  He graduated from high school June 1908 and worked for three years on local newspapers in New York State. Forrestal entered Dartmouth College as a freshman in 1911. The following year he transferred to Princeton University but left in 1915 a few credits short of earning his degree apparently because of academic and financial difficulties. He worked as both a financial reporter and tobacco salesman until 1916, when he enter the banking business in New York City.

At the onset of World War I, Forrestal enlisted in the United States Navy.  He was later commissioned a naval aviator and served both in this country and abroad.  He was discharged July 1919 having attained the rank of Lieutenant and reentered the banking business.

June 1940, he accepted a post as Administrative Assistant to President Roosevelt, serving as a liaison for the President overseeing the National Defense Program.  Two months later, Forrestal was appointed to the newly-created office of Under Secretary of the Navy.  In this position, he was in charge of a procurement and production program that produced the world's largest Navy.

Forrestal was appointed Secretary of the Navy in may 1944.  He then took the oath of office as our country's first Secretary of Defense in September 1947, and served in that capacity until 1949 when failing health forced his resignation.  He died on May 22, 1949.

A bronze bust of Forrestal at the mall entrance to the pentagon is inscribed as follows:

"This memorial to James Forrestal, as a spontaneous tribute to his lasting accomplishments in providing for national security and his selfless devotion to duty, was erected by thousands of his friends and co-workers of all rank and stations."

Additionally, a life-size brass bust of Secretary Forrestal has for many years been a fixture on the USS Forrestal quarterdeck.  This bust serves as a constant reminder of the impressive legacy bestowed upon the ship by it's namesake, as well as the numerous contributions he made to our Navy and our nation's defense program.  USS Forrestal has long been and forever will be proud to be linked with such a great man, carrying on his indomitable spirit, dignity, and courage as the "First in Defense".