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Adapted from "Herbert R. Askins, Assistant Secretary of the Navy" [biography, dated 30 November 1966] in Modern Biographical Files collection, Navy Department Library.
 

 
Topic
  • People--Other American
  • Occupations-jobs--Astronaut
Document Type
  • Biography
Wars & Conflicts
  • Korean Conflict 1950-1954
File Formats
Location of Archival Materials
  • NHHC-Library

Herbert R. Askins

12 November 1898-[no death date]

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Herbert R. Askins was born in Alvin, Texas, November 12, 1898, but has been a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, since 1913. He was graduated from the Phoenix Union High School and attended the University of Arizona.

He entered business in 1919 with McArthur Brothers, Phoenix automobile dealers, and in 1923 founded his own busines{sic}, the Phoenix Auto Supply Company. He remained President of this company until becoming Assistant Secretary of Navy.

Appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy on September 18, 1951 his nomination was confirmed by the Senate on September 26. He took the Oath of Office on October 3.

In the years since 1923, he started other companies including the Flagstaff Auto Supply and Mercantile Company, Flagstaff, Arizona; the Mesa Auto Supply and Mercantile Company, Yuma, Arizona; the Alemite-Stewart Warner Company of Arizona; the Climate Control Company, Phoenix; and the Pasco Machine Shop of Phoenix.

For three years Mr. Askins was a Director of the National Standard Parts Association, an industry trade group. He also served as President of the Research Club, another national group in the automobile industry.

Mr. Askins was President of the Kiwania Club of Phoenix in 1947. He was one of the originators and served as General Chairman of the Benefit Football Game for Crippled Children played annually in Phoenix known as the “Salad Bowl.” He had served on many community and charitable committees including the Phoenix  Community Chest of which he was General Chairman in 1948; the Executive Committee of the Army Emergency Relief; and as a President of Phoenix Endorsement Council, an organization which screens requests for fund campaigns in that area.

His hobby is golf. He has served as President and Director of the Phoenix Country Club, and in 1941 was President of the Southwest Gold Association.

END

Published: Tue Sep 29 08:34:34 EDT 2020