Alexander Haig

Date of Birth: December 2, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: February 20, 2010

Biography

Alexander Meigs Haig Jr. was an influential American military officer and public servant who served in various high-profile roles including as the United States Secretary of State under President Ronald Reagan, and as the White House Chief of Staff under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Haig was born on December 2, 1924, in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1947 and quickly rose through the ranks of the U.S. Army, serving in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Haig’s most prominent military position was as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, from 1974 to 1979, where he played a significant role in NATO’s strategies during the Cold War. He gained national prominence during the Watergate scandal when he was appointed as White House Chief of Staff, helping to manage the crisis and maintain governmental stability. In 1981, Haig was appointed Secretary of State by President Reagan, where he became known for his assertive foreign policy stances, particularly during the early years of the Reagan administration. He resigned from this position in 1982 following disagreements over foreign policy directions. After leaving public office, Haig remained active in politics and business, founding Worldwide Associates, a consulting firm. He also authored several books, including his memoirs, “Caveat: Realism, Reagan, and Foreign Policy.”

5 Interesting Facts about Alexander Haig

1. Alexander Haig played a critical role in the transition of power during the Watergate scandal, serving as White House Chief of Staff during the final months of Nixon’s presidency.

2. Haig was a four-star general and served as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, a key NATO position, during the peak of the Cold War.

3. He was known for his controversial statement, “I am in control here,” following the assassination attempt on President Reagan in 1981, which led to public confusion about the line of succession.

4. Haig received numerous military decorations including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

5. He founded Worldwide Associates, a global consulting firm, after retiring from public service.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alexander Haig

1. “I’m the vicar of foreign policy, not the Pope.”

2. “You have to look at the history of the Middle East. It is a history of failure. There is no hope for Israel.”

3. “I probably carry more scar tissue on my derriere than any other candidate—that’s political scar tissue.”

4. “That’s not a lie, it’s a terminological inexactitude.”

5. “I am in control here.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Alexander Haig’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, primarily from his military pension, book sales, and consulting firm.