Caspar Weinberger was born in San Francisco, California on August 18, 1917. He was Chairman of the California Republican Party from 1962-1968. After serving in World War 2, his political career began in 1953 as a State Assemblyman. He served as Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission from December 31, 1969 until August 6, 1970 and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget from June 12, 1972 until February 1, 1973 under Richard Nixon. Mr. Weinberger also served as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from February 12, 1973 until August 8, 1975 under both President Nixon and President Gerald Ford.

Weinberger was most notably remembered for his position as the Secretary of Defense from January 21, 1981 under November 23, 1987 under President Ronald Reagan. His tenure in this position was the third longest in U.S. History.

Weinberger was indicted for his role in the Iran-Contra case in which he was charged with participating in the transfer of Hawk and TOW missiles to Iran. He later received a pardon from President George H. W. Bush on December 24, 1992.

Caspar Weinberger was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1987 and an honorary British knighthood under Queen Elizabeth II. Mr. Weinberger passed away of pneumonia on March 28, 2006 in Bangor, Maine at the age of 88. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery on April 4, 2006.

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