James Roosevelt
James Roosevelt | |
---|---|
Louis McHenry Howe | |
Succeeded by | Marvin H. McIntyre |
Personal details | |
Born | James Roosevelt II December 23, 1907 New York City, New York, U.S. |
Died | August 13, 1991 Newport Beach, California, U.S. | (aged 83)
Political party | Democratic |
Spouses | Betsey Maria Cushing (m. 1930; div. 1940)Romelle Theresa Schneider
(m. 1941; div. 1955)Gladys Irene Kitchenmaster Owens
(m. 1956; div. 1969)Mary Winskill (m. 1969) |
Children | 7, including Sara Delano Roosevelt and James Roosevelt III |
Parents | |
Relatives | United States of America |
Branch/service | United States Marine Corps Reserve |
Years of service | 1936–1959 |
Rank | Brigadier general |
Unit | 2nd Raider Battalion |
Commands | 4th Raider Battalion |
Battles/wars | |
Awards | Navy Cross Silver Star |
James Roosevelt II[1] (December 23, 1907 – August 13, 1991) was an American businessman, Marine, activist, and Democratic Party politician. The eldest son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, he served as an official Secretary to the President for his father and was later elected to the United States House of Representatives representing California, serving 5 terms from 1955 to 1965. He received the Navy Cross while serving as a Marine Corps officer during World War II.
Early life and career
Roosevelt was born at 123 East 36th Street in
After graduation, Roosevelt enrolled in the Boston University School of Law. He also took a sales job with the firm of Victor De Gerard of Boston in 1930, remaining with that firm when it amalgamated with the John Paulding Meade Company which, in turn, amalgamated with O'Brion, Russell and Company in 1932. Roosevelt abandoned his law studies within a year due to his success at the firm. In 1932, he started his own insurance agency, Roosevelt & Sargent, in partnership with John A. Sargent. As president of Roosevelt & Sargent he made a substantial fortune (about $500,000 or more than $9 million in 2018 dollars). He resigned from the firm in 1937, when he officially went to work at the White House, but retained his half-ownership.
Roosevelt was elected a director of Boston Metropolitan Buildings, Inc. in 1933. He also served briefly as president of the National Grain Yeast Corporation from May to November 1935.[3]
Politics and the White House
Roosevelt attended the 1924 Democratic National Convention where he served, in his words, as his father's "page and prop". In 1928, he and some Harvard classmates campaigned for Democratic presidential nominee Al Smith. In 1932, he headed his father's Massachusetts campaign and made about two hundred campaign speeches for that year.[citation needed] Though FDR lost the Massachusetts Democratic primary to Smith, he easily carried Massachusetts in the November election. Roosevelt was viewed as his father's political deputy in Massachusetts, allocating patronage in alliance with Boston mayor James Michael Curley. He was also a delegate from Massachusetts to the Constitutional Convention for the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.
Roosevelt was a close protege of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. In fall 1933, the two journeyed to England to obtain the market in post-prohibition liquor imports.[1] Many of Roosevelt's controversial business ventures were aided by Kennedy, including his maritime insurance interests, and the National Grain Yeast Corp. affair (1933–1935). Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau Jr. threatened to resign unless FDR forced his son to leave the latter company, suspected of being a front for bootlegging.[4] Roosevelt was instrumental in securing Kennedy's appointment as ambassador to the United Kingdom.[5]
In April 1936, Presidential Secretary
Roosevelt was considered among his father's most important counselors. Time magazine suggested he might be considered "Assistant President of the United States".[3]
In July 1938, there were allegations that Roosevelt had used his political position to steer lucrative business to his insurance firm. He had to publish his income tax returns and denied these allegations in an
Hollywood
After leaving the White House in November 1938, Roosevelt moved to
During his Hollywood period, Roosevelt became involved with
Military career
World War II broke out in Europe in September 1939; the following month Roosevelt resigned the Marine commission as a lieutenant colonel that he had received in 1936 when serving as his father's military aide and accepted a commission as a captain in the Marine Corps Reserve so that he could enter active duty, which he did in November 1940.
In April 1941, his father sent him on a secret, world-circling diplomatic mission to assure numerous governments that the United States would soon be in the war. The leaders contacted included
World War II
After Japan's Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Roosevelt was seated next to his father when the President delivered his Day of Infamy speech. He requested assignment to combat duty and was transferred to the Marine Raiders in January 1942, a new Marine Corps commando force, and became second-in-command of the 2nd Raider Battalion under Evans Carlson (Carlson's Raiders) whom Roosevelt knew when Carlson commanded the Marine detachment at the Warm Springs, Georgia, residence of his father. Roosevelt's influence helped win presidential backing for the Raiders—influenced by the British Commandos—which were opposed by Marine Corps traditionalists.
Despite occasionally debilitating health problems, Roosevelt served with the 2nd Raiders at
Roosevelt remained an inactive member of the Marine Corps Reserve until October 1, 1959, when he received a final promotion to the rank of brigadier general upon fully retiring from the service.[12] Because he suffered from flat feet, he was allowed to wear sneakers while other Marines were required to wear boots.[15]
Military awards
Roosevelt's military decorations and awards include:
Navy Cross
|
Silver Star Medal
| ||||||||
American Defense Service Medal w/ service star |
American Campaign Medal | Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
w/ four service stars | |||||||
World War II Victory Medal
|
Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon w/ service star |
Philippine Liberation Medal w/ service star |
The Navy Cross is presented to James Roosevelt, Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as second in command of the Second Marine Raider Battalion against enemy Japanese armed forces on Makin island. Risking his own life over and above the ordinary call of duty, Major Roosevelt continually exposed himself to intense machine-gun and sniper fire to ensure effective control of operations from the command post. As a result of his successful maintenance of communications with his supporting vessels, two enemy surface ships, whose presence was reported, were destroyed by gun fire. Later during evacuation, he displayed exemplary courage in personally rescuing three men from drowning in the heavy surf. His gallant conduct and his inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.[14]
For the President, Chester W. Nimitz
Silver Star citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant Colonel James R. Roosevelt (MCSN: 0–5477), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action at Makin Atoll, Gilbert Islands, 20 to 23 November 1943. Attached as an observer to the units of the 27th Infantry Division which effected the landing on Makin Atoll, Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt voluntarily sought out the scenes of the heaviest fighting. Throughout the three-day period, he continually accompanied the leading elements of the assault, exposing himself to constant danger. His calmness under fire and presence among the foremost elements of the attacking force was a source of inspiration to all ranks.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Central Pacific Area, General Orders No. 55 (1944)(26)
Battle stars
LtCol Roosevelt was entitled to campaign participation credit (i.e., the "battle stars" worn on the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal) for the following actions:[citation needed]
- Battle of Midway, June 3–6, 1942 (Navy P-7)
- Capture and Defense of Guadalcanal, August 10, 1942 – February 8, 1943 (Navy P-9)
- Makin Raid, August 17–18, 1942 (Navy P-10)
- Eastern MandatesNovember 1943 – January 1944 (Army, for Makin)
Post-war career
After World War II, Roosevelt returned to live in California. He rejoined Roosevelt and Sargent as an executive vice president and established the company's office in Los Angeles. In 1946, he became chairman of the board of Roosevelt and Haines, successor to Roosevelt and Sargent. He later became president of Roosevelt and Company, Inc.
On July 21, 1946, Roosevelt became chairman of the California State Democratic Central Committee. He also began making daily radio broadcasts of political commentary. Like his brother
In 1950, Roosevelt was the Democratic candidate for Governor of California but lost to Republican incumbent Earl Warren by almost 30% of the votes.[16]
In 1954, Roosevelt was elected U.S. Representative from California's 26th congressional district, a heavily Democratic district.[16] He was re-elected to five additional terms and served from 1955 to 1965, resigning during his sixth term. Roosevelt was one of the first politicians to denounce the tactics of Senator Joseph McCarthy. He was also the only representative to vote against appropriating funds for the House Un-American Activities Committee.
In April 1965, Roosevelt ran for Mayor of Los Angeles, challenging incumbent Sam Yorty, but lost in the primary.[16]
He resigned from Congress in October 1965, 10 months into his sixth term, when President
Roosevelt joined IOS despite the firm's concurrent investigation by the
During this period, he became associated with the
His writings include Affectionately, FDR (with Sidney Shalett, 1959) and My Parents, a Differing View (with Bill Libby, 1976). The latter was written in part as a response to his brother Elliot's book An Untold Story, which told of FDR's marital issues and was fiercely repudiated by the other siblings. He authored the novel A Family Matter (with Sam Toperoff, 1979) and edited The Liberal Papers, published in 1962.
Later controversy
In the 1980s, a non-profit organization established by Roosevelt, the
Family and marriages
His first marriage was in 1930 to philanthropist
James married his nurse, Romelle Therese Schneider (1915–2002), the next year. They had three children, James (b. 1945), Michael Anthony (b. 1947), and Anna Eleanor "Anne" (b. 1948). They were divorced in 1956.
In 1956, he married Gladys Irene Owens (1916–1987),[28] his receptionist, and they had a son together named Hall Delano (called "Del") in 1959. They were divorced in 1969.
He married his fourth wife, Mary Winskill (b. 1939), teacher to his youngest son Del, in 1969. They had one daughter, Rebecca Mary, in 1971.[29]
Death
Roosevelt died in Newport Beach, California, in 1991 of complications arising from a stroke and Parkinson's disease. He was 83 and was the last surviving child of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Dates of rank
Lieutenant Colonel, United States Marine Corps: 1936 | |
Captain, United States Marine Corps Reserve: November 1940 | |
Major, United States Marine Corps Reserve: June 1940 | |
Colonel, United States Marine Corps Reserve: April 13, 1944 | |
Brigadier General, United States Marine Corps Reserve: October 1, 1959 |
See also
- Elliott Roosevelt
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr.
- Anna Eleanor Roosevelt
- John Aspinwall Roosevelt II
References
Notes
- ^ a b Maier, Thomas (October 21, 2014) "The Secret Boozy Deals of a Kennedy, a Churchill, and a Roosevelt" Time
- ^ a b c d e f g "James Roosevelt Papers" (PDF). Franklin D. Roosevelt Library. Retrieved May 9, 2009.
- ^ a b c "Modern Mercury". TIME. February 28, 1938. Archived from the original on February 4, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2009.
- ^ Roosevelt, J. My Parents, p. 231
- ^ Hansen, pp. 399–401
- ^ Hansen, p. 90
- ISBN 978-1-56639-495-6.
- ^ "Hollywood Star Walk: Joseph Schenck". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles. October 23, 1961. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
- ^ "Hollywood Star Walk: Joseph Schenck".
- Newspapers.com.
- ^ Roosevelt, J., My Parents, pp. 258–265
- ^ a b "Brigadier General James Roosevelt, USMCR (Deceased)". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
- ^ "BGen James Roosevelt".
- ^ a b "WW2 Gyrene Photo Album page 33".
- ISBN 0-89141-717-6. p.76
- ^ a b c Our Campaigns – Candidate – James Roosevelt Accessed June 13, 2013
- ^ Roosevelt, J.: My Parents, pp. 319–320
- ^ "House Fire Victim Found to Be Gladys Roosevelt, 70". Los Angeles Times. June 11, 1987.
- ^ Roosevelt, J.: My Parents, p. 356
- ^ Hansen, pp. 626–628
- ^ "Reading Eagle – Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "Lodi News-Sentinel – Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "The Telegraph-Herald – Google News Archive Search".
- ^ Hansen, pp. 661–662
- ^ Rosenblatt, Robert A. "Committee Headed by James Roosevelt Under Investigation". Los Angeles Times (March 10, 1987)
- ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "Franklin A. Thomas's Biography". The HistoryMakers. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "House Fire Victim Found to Be Gladys Roosevelt, 70". Los Angeles Times. June 11, 1987.
- ^ Roosevelt, J.: My Parents, passim.
Bibliography
- Brigadier General James Roosevelt, USMCR, Who's Who in Marine Corps History, History Division, United States Marine Corps
- New York Times obituary
- United States Congress. "James Roosevelt (id: R000426)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved on 2008-07-08
- Brigadier General James Roosevelt, USMCR – Marine Corps Legacy Museum
- Hansen, Chris. Enfant Terrible: The Times and Schemes of General Elliott Roosevelt. Tucson: Able Baker Press, 2012. ISBN 978-0615-66892-5
- Roosevelt, James. Affectionately, F.D.R. Hearst/Avon Division, New York, 1959. (w. Sidney Shalett) OCLC 774419
- Roosevelt, James. My Parents: A Differing View. Playboy Press, Chicago, 1976. (w. Bill Libby) ISBN 0872234762
External links
- Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Museum
- James Roosevelt at IMDb
- Guide to the James Roosevelt Papers, 1941 MS 412 held by Special Collection & Archives Archived October 18, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, Nimitz Library Archived October 18, 2014, at the Wayback Machine at the United States Naval Academy Archived September 6, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- A film clip "Longines Chronoscope with James Roosevelt" is available for viewing at the Internet Archive
- James Roosevelt at Find a Grave
- Newspaper clippings about James Roosevelt in the 20th Century Press Archives of the ZBW