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Adapted from "Biography of William Birrell Franke" [biography, dated 25 August 1959] in Modern Biographical Files collection, Navy Department Library.

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William Birrell Franke

15 April 1894 - 30 June 1979


Portrait of William B. Franke

PDF Version [1.4MB]

Appointed by President Eisenhower to serve as Secretary of the Navy, the nomination of William B. Franke of New York City was confirmed by the Senate and he took the oath of office on 8 June 1959 and served until 1961. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Franke served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management) from October 1954 until April 1957, and as Under Secretary of the Navy from April 1957 until June 1959.

William Birrell Franke was born in Troy, New York, on 15 April 1894. He attended local schools in Troy, New York, and was graduated from Pace Institute of Accountancy in New York City.

Prior to graduation from Pace Institute, Mr. Franke was employed by Cluett, Peabody & Company of New York, and by Naramore, Niles & Company of Rochester, New York, until 1928, when he formed his own accounting firm of Franke, Hannon & Withey of New York and became the senior partner. In 1924 he became a member of the American Institute of Accountants and also during that year, was received into the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. He held an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from the University of Louisville, which was bestowed in 1948 and the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Pace College in June 1955.

From 1948 to 1951, Mr. Franke was a member of the US Army Controllers Civilian Panel, Washington, DC. He was Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense in 1951-52. In 1951 Mr. Franke was given the Patriotic Civilian Commendation by the US Army, and in 1952 the Distinguished Service Award by the Department of Defense.

In addition to being the senior partner in his own firm, Mr. Franke was associated with a number of other firms in various capacities which included positions as Chairman of the Boards of John Simmons Co., Inc., and General Shale Products Corporation, and as Director of the Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio Railway Company.

Mr. Franke was a member of the Union League Club of New York City, the Army-Navy Club and the Chevy Chase Club of Washington, DC, and the Rutland Country Club of Rutland, Vermont.

[END]

Published: Tue Apr 09 08:27:32 EDT 2019