William H. Webster, Only Director to Lead Both FBI and CIA, Dies at 101
William H. Webster, the only individual to lead both the FBI and CIA, has died at 101. He was a decorated Navy veteran who enhanced the FBI's capabilities.
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Overview
- Former FBI and CIA Director William H. Webster passed away at the age of 101, with his death confirmed by the FBI, who extended condolences to his family.
- Webster holds the unique distinction of being the only individual to have led both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (1978-1987) and the Central Intelligence Agency (1987-1991).
- Appointed by President Carter, Webster significantly enhanced the FBI's capabilities, addressing new challenges like terrorism and improving the agency's public image during his tenure.
- Born March 6, 1924, in St. Louis, Webster was a decorated Navy lieutenant, serving in World War II and the Korean War before his distinguished federal career.
- After retiring in 1991, Webster continued serving on policy boards. He is survived by his second wife, three children, seven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources report the death of former FBI and CIA Director William Webster factually, focusing on his extensive public service career and unique achievement of leading both agencies. The coverage relies on official statements from the FBI and FBI Agents Association, presenting a straightforward obituary without loaded language or a specific editorial narrative beyond factual reporting.
"William Webster, a longtime U.S. public servant who served as the head of both the FBI and the CIA in a career spanning the late 1970s to the early 1990s, has died."
ABC News"William H. Webster, the former FBI and CIA director whose troubleshooting skills and integrity helped restore public confidence in those federal agencies, has died, his family announced Friday."
ABC NewsArticles (4)
FAQ
During his time as FBI Director from 1978 to 1987, William H. Webster significantly enhanced the FBI's capabilities, particularly in addressing emerging challenges such as terrorism, and improved the agency's public image.
William H. Webster was awarded several prestigious honors including the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the National Security Medal, recognizing his leadership and service in intelligence and law enforcement.
After retiring from the CIA in 1991, Webster joined the law firm Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy in Washington, D.C., where he specialized in arbitration, mediation, and internal investigations. He also served as chairman of the Homeland Security Advisory Council from 2005 to 2020 and was the first chairman of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in 2002.
William H. Webster served as a decorated Navy lieutenant during World War II and the Korean War. This military background contributed to his leadership skills and discipline, which he carried into his federal career in law enforcement and intelligence.
William H. Webster is unique in U.S. history as the only individual to have led both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (1978–1987) and the Central Intelligence Agency (1987–1991), making him a pivotal figure in American intelligence and law enforcement.
History
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