Alexander Meigs Haig Jr. (1924–2010) was an American military leader, diplomat, and statesman who served as U.S. Secretary of State under Ronald Reagan and White House Chief of Staff under Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
Born in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, Haig attended Notre Dame before transferring to West Point, graduating in 1947. He fought in the Korean War, earning two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star, and later commanded a battalion in the Vietnam War, receiving the Distinguished Service Cross. In 1969, he became Henry Kissinger’s military assistant, aiding Vietnam War negotiations.
Promoted to four-star general in 1973, Haig became Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, later serving as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (1974–79,) overseeing NATO forces. As White House Chief of Staff, he helped manage the Watergate crisis, influencing Nixon’s resignation.
In 1981, Haig became Secretary of State, advocating a firm stance against the Soviet Union, but resigned in 1982 over policy disagreements. He later unsuccessfully sought the 1988 Republican presidential nomination.
Haig authored Inner Circles (1992) and Caveat (1984,) offering insights into Cold War diplomacy.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Alexander Haig
Practice rather than preach. Make of your life an affirmation, defined by your ideals, not the negation of others. Dare to the level of your capability then go beyond to a higher level.
—Alexander Haig
Topics: Being True to Yourself
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