Alexander Haig

Alexander Haig
Alexander Haig
Born	Alexander Meigs Haig Jr.; 2 December 1924 (age 101); Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	20 February 2010 (aged 85)
Occupation(s)	Statesman, Army general
Known for	United States Secretary of State, White House Chief of Staff, Supreme Allied Commander Europe

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Alexander Haig, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 9 August 2025

Alexander Meigs Haig Jr. (; December 2, 1924 – February 20, 2010) was a prominent American statesman who held the position of United States Secretary of State under President Ronald Reagan and served as White House chief of staff during the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Before and between these appointments, he was a high-ranking officer in the U.S. Army, rising to vice chief of staff and subsequently becoming Supreme Allied Commander Europe. In 1973, Haig achieved the distinction of becoming the youngest four-star general in the history of the US Army.

A native of Pennsylvania, Haig graduated from the United States Military Academy and participated in the Korean War as an aide to generals Alonzo Patrick Fox and Edward Almond. He also served as an aide to Defense Secretary Robert McNamara. During the Vietnam War, Haig commanded both a battalion and a brigade within the 1st Infantry Division, earning several honors including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and the Purple Heart.

In 1969, Haig was appointed assistant to national security advisor Henry Kissinger. By 1972, he had become vice chief of staff of the Army. After the resignation of H. R. Haldeman in 1973, Haig stepped into the role of Nixon’s chief of staff, playing a critical part during Nixon’s final months in office and influencing his decision to resign in 1974. He remained in this role for one month under President Ford. Between 1974 and 1979, Haig led all NATO forces across Europe as Supreme Allied Commander Europe before retiring to pursue a career in business.

Following President Reagan’s election victory in 1980, Haig was appointed secretary of state. In the aftermath of the Reagan assassination attempt, he asserted significant authority at the White House despite not being next in line for presidential succession. During the Falklands War, he sought to mediate peace negotiations between the United Kingdom and Argentina. Haig resigned from his cabinet post in July 1982 and later made an unsuccessful bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 1988. He also headed a consulting enterprise and hosted the television series World Business Review.

Early life and education

Born in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, Haig was the middle child among three siblings of Alexander Meigs Haig, a Republican attorney with Scottish ancestry, and Regina Anne (née Murphy). His father passed away from cancer when Haig was nine years old. Raised by his Irish American mother within the Catholic tradition, Haig initially attended Saint Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia on a scholarship but later transferred to Lower Merion High School located in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1942.

After failing to gain immediate admission to the United States Military Academy, Haig spent two years studying at the University of Notre Dame before securing a congressional appointment to West Point in 1944, thanks in part to assistance from his uncle, a local Philadelphia official.

He completed an accelerated wartime program at West Point that reduced emphasis on humanities and social sciences, graduating near the bottom third of his class (214 out of 310) in 1947. Nevertheless, peers recognized his strong determination and ambition. Later academic achievements included earning an MBA from Columbia Business School in 1955. As a major, he attended the Naval War College in 1960 and subsequently obtained an M.A. in international relations from Georgetown University in 1961, where his thesis examined military officers' involvement in shaping national policy.

Korean War

In his early years as an officer, Haig served as an aide to Lieutenant General Alonzo Patrick Fox, who was the deputy chief of staff under General Douglas MacArthur. In 1950, Haig married Patricia, Fox’s daughter. During the initial phase of the Korean War, Haig was responsible for maintaining MacArthur’s operational map and delivering daily briefings on combat developments. Between 1950 and 1951, he worked with X Corps as an aide to General Edward Almond, MacArthur’s chief of staff, who honored Haig with two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star with Valor. Haig took part in four campaigns of the Korean War, notably the Battle of Inchon, the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, and the withdrawal from Hŭngnam.

Pentagon assignments

From 1962 to 1964, Haig held a position as a staff officer within the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at the Pentagon. In 1964, he became military assistant to Secretary of the Army Stephen Ailes, followed by a role as military assistant to Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara until late 1965. He completed his education at the United States Army War College in 1966.

Vietnam War

During 1966, Haig commanded a battalion within the 1st Infantry Division amid the Vietnam War. On May 22, 1967, General William Westmoreland awarded him the Distinguished Service Cross, which is the second-highest valor award in the U.S. Army, recognizing his bravery during the March 1967 Battle of Ap Gu. As leader of the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, Haig faced a Viet Cong force that outnumbered his men by three to one. After boarding a helicopter to assess the situation, it was shot down, resulting in two days of fierce close-quarters combat.

An excerpt from Haig’s Distinguished Service Cross citation reads:

Haig also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart during his Vietnam service and was promoted to colonel while commanding the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division.

Return to West Point

Following a year-long tour in Vietnam, Haig returned stateside to assume command of the Third Regiment of the Corps of Cadets at West Point. He served under Brigadier General Bernard W. Rogers, with whom he had previously collaborated in the 1st Infantry Division.

Security adviser and vice chief of staff (1969–1973)

In 1969, Haig took on the role of military assistant to Henry Kissinger, who was then serving as assistant to the president for national security affairs. The following year, he replaced Richard V. Allen as deputy assistant to the president for national security affairs. During this period, he received promotions to brigadier general in September 1969 and major general in March 1972.

In spring 1972, North Vietnam launched its Easter Offensive, deploying heavy arms and seizing strategic areas in South Vietnam. President Nixon and Kissinger, balancing détente with Moscow and opening diplomatic channels with Beijing, responded by mining Haiphong harbor and intensifying bombing operations over North Vietnam. Choosing to circumvent traditional channels like the State Department, Defense Department, and Joint Chiefs of Staff, Nixon and Kissinger relied heavily on Haig, who effectively operated as a stand-in for the JCS. He orchestrated the combined mining and bombing campaign known as Operation Linebacker and acted as a direct conduit between field commanders and the White House. This placed Haig within a national security triumvirate alongside Nixon and Kissinger that sidelined Military Assistance Command Vietnam.

Haig also played a key role assisting South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu during final cease-fire negotiations in 1972. He continued in this capacity until January 4, 1973, when he was appointed vice chief of staff of the Army. Although Nixon intended for him to become chief of staff ahead of Creighton Abrams, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird blocked this due to Haig’s relatively limited experience commanding at senior levels. Confirmed by the Senate in October 1972, Haig bypassed promotion to lieutenant general; his appointment leapfrogged over more than 240 generals senior in rank.

Nixon administration

In May 1973, after serving four months as Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Haig rejoined the Nixon administration amid the escalating Watergate scandal as White House Chief of Staff. During the infamous Saturday Night Massacre, Haig sought to persuade acting-Attorney General William Ruckelshaus to dismiss special prosecutor Archibald Cox, but Ruckelshaus chose to resign instead. While maintaining his Army commission, Haig continued as Chief of Staff until 21 September 1974, managing the transition following Nixon’s resignation on 9 August 1974 and the commencement of the Gerald Ford presidency.

Haig is recognized for sustaining governmental functions during Nixon’s preoccupation with Watergate and was widely regarded as operating in a capacity akin to an "acting president" during Nixon’s final period in office. In July and early August 1974, Haig played an instrumental role in encouraging Nixon to step down and presented President Ford with multiple pardon options before Nixon’s exit. According to Bob Woodward’s 1999 work Shadow, Haig served as a pivotal link between Nixon and Ford in orchestrating the transfer of authority. Approximately one month after assuming office, Ford issued a highly debated pardon for Nixon.

Haig refuted allegations that he negotiated Nixon’s resignation in return for a pardon. A significant incident occurred shortly before Haig departed for Europe to assume duties as NATO Supreme Allied Commander when White House counsel J. Fred Buzhardt alerted him that Ford’s forthcoming pardon address suggested Haig had participated in the negotiations. Troubled by this implication, Haig promptly returned to the White House for clarification.

On 7 August 1974, two days prior to Nixon’s resignation, Haig met with Nixon in the Oval Office to discuss the forthcoming transition. Nixon commented, "You fellows, in your business, have a way of handling problems like this. Give them a pistol and leave the room. I don't have a pistol, Al."

Ford administration

Following Nixon's departure, Haig briefly continued as White House Chief of Staff under President Ford, providing counsel on ongoing policies and assisting Ford with acclimating to White House operations. He advised retaining several members of Nixon’s staff for a 30-day period to facilitate a seamless handover. Alongside Henry Kissinger, Haig counseled Ford on continuing détente with the Soviet Union subsequent to the SALT I agreement.

Haig encountered difficulties integrating into the new administration and expressed a desire to return to military service. Speculation arose that Ford preferred managing chief of staff responsibilities personally. Initially replaced by Robert T. Hartmann, Ford subsequently appointed Donald Rumsfeld as chief of staff. Biographer Roger Morris observed that Ford’s pardon of Nixon indirectly extended protection to Haig. Haig resigned in September 1974 and resumed active duty in the Army.

NATO Supreme Allied Commander (1974–1979)

In December 1974, President Ford named Haig as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), placing him in charge of NATO forces and the United States European Command. Although considered for the position of U.S. Army Chief of Staff following General Abrams’s passing, that appointment went instead to General Frederick C. Weyand. From 1974 until 1979, Haig concentrated on reshaping NATO’s military strategy amid increasing Soviet influence after the Vietnam War.

Haig bolstered U.S.–NATO cooperation by relocating Strategic Air Command assets such as the F-111 aircraft to bases in Europe and prioritizing improved training programs and modernization efforts for American troops stationed there. He conducted personal inspections of training facilities to enhance soldier preparedness and discipline.

On 25 June 1979, Haig survived an assassination attempt involving a land mine in Belgium attributed to the Red Army Faction; three of his bodyguards sustained injuries. In 1993, former RAF operative Rolf Clemens Wagner was convicted for orchestrating this attack. During his final month as SACEUR, Haig managed NATO discussions following the SALT II treaty but voiced apprehensions that it disproportionately favored Soviet military expansion.

Haig retired from his NATO command in July 1979, succeeded by General Bernard W. Rogers. His retirement ceremony at NATO headquarters was attended by Defense Secretary Harold Brown, NATO Secretary General Joseph Luns, and U.S. Ambassador William Tapley Bennett Jr.

Civilian roles

In 1979, Haig took on the role of director for the Western Security Program at the Philadelphia-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, subsequently joining its board of trustees. That same year, he was appointed president and director of United Technologies Corporation, working under CEO Harry J. Gray, a capacity he maintained until 1981.

Secretary of State (1981–1982)

Haig was among three military professionals who have held the position of secretary of state, alongside George C. Marshall and Colin Powell. His speeches became known for their elaborate and often convoluted language, a style dubbed "Haigspeak," which attracted both criticism and parody.

Early obstacles

During December 1980, Haig’s confirmation by the Senate as Secretary of State encountered difficulties due to concerns regarding his involvement in Watergate. Senator Jesse Helms from North Carolina defended Haig by verifying with Nixon that no incriminating evidence existed against him. Despite a challenging confirmation process and limited backing from Reagan’s team, Haig was ultimately confirmed.

That same month, the killing of four U.S. Catholic missionary women by Salvadoran national guardsmen heightened diplomatic tensions. The outgoing Carter administration had authorized $5.9 million in military assistance to El Salvador’s right-wing regime; shortly after taking office, the Reagan administration increased this amount to $25 million. The Reagan team justified this escalation by referencing purported investigations into the murders; however, U.S. Ambassador Robert E. White contested these claims and was dismissed by Haig due to his outspoken criticism. White later accused the administration of concealing the Salvadoran government's involvement.

During the 1980 presidential campaign, Reagan and his advisors criticized the Carter administration for what they saw as a "double standard" in emphasizing human rights abuses committed by authoritarian regimes allied with the U.S., while downplaying similar violations by communist states. Haig, who described himself as the "vicar" overseeing U.S. foreign policy, emphasized strategic victories by allies over their human rights records. In March 1981 testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he controversially suggested that the murdered nuns might have inadvertently caused a roadblock incident, provoking public backlash. He withdrew this statement the following day before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. These errors hindered Reagan’s attempts to secure domestic backing for policies in Central America.

Assassination attempt on Reagan

After the March 30, 1981 attempt on President Reagan, Haig told reporters, "I am in control here," while Reagan was receiving medical care. He clarified that although Reagan had not formally transferred presidential authority, Haig was overseeing crisis management at the White House until Vice President George Bush arrived to take charge.

According to the U.S. Constitution, including provisions on presidential succession and the 25th Amendment, the Speaker (then Tip O'Neill) and president pro tempore (then Strom Thurmond) are next in line before the secretary of state. Haig later clarified his statement:

Haig’s reputation was significantly damaged by this declaration and it remains a prominent point highlighted in obituaries following his passing.

Falklands Conflict

In April 1982, Haig engaged in shuttle diplomacy efforts between the United Kingdom and Argentina following Argentina's occupation of the Falkland Islands. These diplomatic attempts were unsuccessful, and Haig returned to Washington on 19 April as the Royal Navy commenced operations in the area. Documents declassified in 2012 under the UK's Thirty-year rule indicated that Haig intended to provide Argentina with British classified military intelligence prior to the retaking of South Georgia Island, aiming to demonstrate U.S. impartiality during negotiations. Nonetheless, records from the Reagan Library revealed that Haig also sought to convince President Reagan to support Argentina during the dispute.

Lebanon War of 1982

In a report delivered to President Reagan in January 1982, Haig warned about the possibility of an Israeli military strike against Lebanon. Some critics accused him of effectively endorsing Israel’s June 1982 invasion; however, Haig denied these claims, asserting that he consistently advocated for caution throughout the crisis.

Departure from Office

Haig caused concern among some officials by suggesting that a "nuclear warning shot" in Europe might serve as a deterrent against the Soviet Union. His period as secretary of state was characterized by frequent disagreements with Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger and other members of the Reagan administration. After ongoing tensions, Haig resigned on 25 June 1982. President Reagan accepted this resignation on 5 July, and Haig was succeeded by George P. Shultz, who was confirmed on July 16.

1988 Republican Presidential Campaign

Haig pursued the 1988 Republican Party presidential nomination but failed to rise above single-digit support in national polling despite his widespread recognition. He openly criticized then–Vice President George H. W. Bush, questioning Bush’s leadership qualities and involvement in the Iran–Contra affair, even labeling him a "wimp" during a Texas debate in October 1987. Despite vigorous campaigning and advertising efforts in New Hampshire, Haig remained at the bottom of the polls. After garnering less than 1% of votes in the Iowa caucuses and trailing in New Hampshire, he withdrew from the race and endorsed Senator Bob Dole. Dole, who gained momentum after winning Iowa, ultimately lost New Hampshire to Bush by ten points. Bush then secured the nomination with regained strength.

Post-Political Career, Health, and Passing

In 1980, Haig underwent a double heart bypass surgery.

Following his departure from the Reagan administration, Haig joined the board of MGM to explore opportunities in film production, overseeing development of John Milius’ Red Dawn (1984) with significant modifications. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he headed a consulting firm and served on boards of financially troubled companies including computer maker Commodore International. Additionally, he was an original corporate director for America Online.

Haig hosted World Business Review for several years and later presented 21st Century Business, a weekly program focused on business education featuring expert interviews and analysis. He co-chaired the American Committee for Peace in the Caucasus alongside figures such as Zbigniew Brzezinski and Stephen J. Solarz, and served on the advisory board for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP).

On January 5, 2006, Haig participated in a White House meeting with former secretaries of defense and state to discuss U.S. foreign policy with members of the Bush administration. He attended a subsequent meeting on May 12, 2006, which included briefings by Donald Rumsfeld, Condoleezza Rice, and President George W. Bush. His memoirs—Inner Circles: How America Changed The World—were published in 1992.

On February 19, 2010, it was announced that Haig, then aged 85, had been hospitalized at Johns Hopkins Hospital since January 28 in critical condition. He passed away on February 20 due to complications from a staphylococcal infection. According to his brother Frank Haig, plans for a mass at Fort Myer and burial at Arlington National Cemetery were postponed because of ongoing military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. A Mass of Christian Burial took place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., on March 2, 2010, where eulogies were delivered by Henry Kissinger and Sherwood D. Goldberg.

President Barack Obama commended Haig as embodying "our finest warrior–diplomat tradition," while Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recognized his extensive service that earned "honor on the battlefield" alongside "the confidence of presidents and prime ministers."

Family

Alexander Haig was united in marriage with Patricia (née Fox), and together they had three children: Alexander Patrick Haig, Barbara Haig, and Brian Haig. His younger sibling, Frank Haig, served as a Jesuit priest and held the title of professor emeritus in physics at Loyola University located in Baltimore, Maryland.

Publications

Articles

"Introduction". Appeared in World Affairs, Volume 144, Issue 4, Spring 1982. (pp. 299–301)
"Stalemate: The Public Reaction to Poland". Published in World Affairs, Volume 144, Issue 4, Spring 1982. (pp. 467–511)
"U.S. Foreign Policy: A Discussion with Former Secretaries of State Dean Rusk, William P. Rogers, Cyrus R. Vance, and Alexander M. Haig, Jr.". Featured in International Studies Notes, Volume 11, Issue 1, Fall 1984. (pp. 10–20)
"Reply". Included in Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs, Volume 27, Issue 2, Summer 1985. (pp. 23–24)
"The Challenges to American Leadership". Published in Harvard International Review, Volume 11, Issue 3, 1989. (pp. 24–29)
"Nation Building: A Flawed Approach". Found in Brown Journal of World Affairs, Volume 2, Issue 1, Winter 1994. (pp. 7–10)

Books

Caveat: Realism, Reagan and Foreign Affairs. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1984. Total of 367 pages.
Inner Circles: How America Changed the World: A Memoir. New York: Warner Books, published in 1992. Comprising 650 pages.

Contributed works

"Foreword". In Thomas Streissguth’s Soviet Leaders from Lenin to Gorbachev. Minneapolis: Oliver Press, 1992. (pp. 7–8)

Awards and decorations

Combat Infantryman Badge
Distinguished Service Cross	Defense Distinguished Service Medal w/ one bronze oak leaf cluster	Army Distinguished Service Medal
Navy Distinguished Service Medal	Air Force Distinguished Service Medal	Silver Star w/ one bronze oak leaf cluster
Legion of Merit w/ two bronze oak leaf clusters	Distinguished Flying Cross w/ two bronze oak leaf clusters	Bronze Star w/ Valor device and two bronze oak leaf clusters
Purple Heart	Air Medal w/ bronze numerals 27	Army Commendation Medal
American Campaign Medal	World War II Victory Medal	Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal w/ one bronze star	Korean Service Medal w/ four bronze campaign stars	Vietnam Service Medal w/ two bronze campaign stars
National Order of Vietnam (Commander)	National Order of Vietnam (Knight)	Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm
Grand-Cross of the Portuguese Order of Christ	Order of Leopold (Officer)	Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Grand Cross 1st Class)
United Nations Korea Medal	Vietnam Campaign Medal	Republic of Korea War Service Medal

Valorous Unit Award
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation	Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation	Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal Unit Citation

Template:Ribbon devices

SHAPE Badge

Additional distinctions

In 1976, Haig was honored with the Golden Plate Award by the American Academy of Achievement. Later, in 2009, he was welcomed into the Eisenhower Society for Lifetime Giving, acknowledging his contributions to West Point's educational initiatives.

External links

The Day Reagan was Shot article featuring Haig
The Falklands: Failure of a Mission analysis of Haig’s mediation role
Portrait of Alexander Haig painted by Margaret Holland Sargent
ANC Explorer

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