John A. McCone
1902–1991 (age 89)
CIA director
Biography
John A. McCone, born in 1902, forged a distinguished career as an engineer and industrialist before answering the call to public service. As CIA director during the early sixties, he guided United States intelligence through crucial episodes of the Cold War, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, with a clear-headed determination that steadied the nation.
After his years in government, McCone continued to advise leaders in both the public and private sectors, lending his insight to issues of national security and international diplomacy. He is remembered as a thoughtful strategist whose integrity earned the respect of colleagues across the globe.