John S. Gleason, Jr.
| John Gleason | |
|---|---|
| 6th Administrator of Veterans Affairs | |
|
In office January 30, 1961 – January 1, 1965 |
|
| President |
John F. Kennedy Lyndon B. Johnson |
| Preceded by | Sumner G. Whittier |
| Succeeded by | William Driver |
| National Commander of the American Legion | |
|
In office 1957–1958 |
|
| Preceded by | Dan Daniel |
| Succeeded by | Preston Moore |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Simon Gleason Jr. February 11, 1915 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | May 2, 1993 (aged 78) Hines, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Jane Harrigan |
| Education |
University of Notre Dame (BA) Harvard University (MBA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Army
|
| Years of service | 1941–1946 (Active) 1946–1973 (Reserve) |
| Rank |
 Lieutenant Colonel (Active) Brigadier General (Reserve)
|
| Battles/wars |
World War II Asiatic-Pacific Theater • New Guinea campaign • Luzon Campaign |
| Awards |
 Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star (2 OLCs) |
John S. Gleason Jr. (February 11, 1915 – May 2, 1993) was an American banker convicted of fraud in 1977. He previously served as the sixth Administrator of Veterans Affairs, from 1961 to 1965, and the National Commander of The American Legion from 1957 to 1958. He was a decorated World War II veteran, having received the Silver Star Medal, the Legion of Merit, and three Bronze Star Medals. After the war, he served as a senior officer in the United States Army Reserve.
John Simon Gleason, Jr. was born on February 11, 1915 in Chicago, Illinois. His father was employed at the First National Bank of Chicago where he would work when he grew older. He attended college at Notre Dame, graduating in 1940. Later in life, Gleason attended Harvard Business School, earning a second degree.
Gleason interrupted his business career to enlist in the United States Army. By the end of World War II, he was a lieutenant colonel and had fought in the New Guinea and the Luzon campaigns with the 33d Infantry Division. Remaining active in the reserve during the Cold War, he was promoted to brigadier general.
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