Charles Erwin Wilson
Charles Wilson | |
|---|---|
Wilson c. 1948 | |
| 5th United States Secretary of Defense | |
| In office January 28, 1953 – October 8, 1957 | |
| President | Dwight D. Eisenhower |
| Preceded by | Robert A. Lovett |
| Succeeded by | Neil H. McElroy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 18, 1890 Minerva, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | September 26, 1961 (aged 71) Norwood, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Jessie Curtis |
| Education | Carnegie Mellon University (BS) |
Charles Erwin Wilson (July 18, 1890 – September 26, 1961) was an American engineer and businessman who served as United States Secretary of Defense from 1953 to 1957 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Known as "Engine Charlie", he was previously the president and chief executive officer of General Motors. In the wake of the Korean War, he cut the defense budget significantly.