Robert Bernard Anderson

Robert Bernard Anderson (June 4, 1910–August 14, 1989) was a U.S. administrator and businessman. He served as the Secretary of the Navy between 1953 and 1954. He also served as the Secretary of the Treasury from 1957 until 1961.

Anderson was born in Burleson, Texas. He was a high school teacher prior to entering the University of Texas Law School, from which he graduated in 1932. He thereafter engaged in political, governmental, law and business activities in the state of Texas. During World War II, he was an adviser to the Secretary of War.

In February 1953, Anderson became the new Eisenhower administration's first Secretary of the Navy. During his time as Navy Secretary, he ended the last formal vestiges of racial segregation in the Navy and advocated the force levels and technological advances necessary to maintain a flexible defense strategy. In May 1954, Anderson left his Navy post to become Deputy Secretary of Defense. From 1957 to 1961, he served as President Eisenhower's Secretary of the Treasury. After leaving office, he was active in business, investment and banking affairs, and, during the 1960s, carried out diplomatic missions on behalf of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Anderson died in New York City on August 14 1989.

This article includes public domain text from the Naval Historical Center.