Robert Porter Patterson, Sr.
Major, U.S. Army

Robert Porter Patterson, Sr. was born on 12 February 1891 in Glens Falls, NY.

Patterson graduated from both Union College and Harvard Law School. He practiced law in New York City.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War I, reaching the rank of Major. He received the Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross, for heroism in France.

He was appointed as U.S. Secretary of War in the administration of President Harry S Truman, serving from 1945 to 1947.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Medal

Death and Burial

Robert Porter Patterson, Sr. died on 22 January 1952 in Elizabeth, NJ. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.