Who was the US Secretary of Defense during World War II?

Flem-ish

Henry L. Stimson was Secretary of War from 1940 till 1945. The euphemism 'Secretary of Defense' was not created before 1947. The first incumbent was James V. Forrestal, from September 17, 1947 till March 28, 1949. May 08 04, 4:18 PM

boris427

There was no such thing as Secretary of Defense during World War II. The office was called Secretary of War. Harry Woodring -- Sept. 25, 1936 - June 20, 1940 Henry Stimson -- July 10, 1940 - Sept. 21, 1945 Kenneth Royall (last) -- July 19, 1947 - Sept. 18, 1947 The National Defense Act of 1947, in an effort to put further US military actions in a defensive light, called the office Secretary of Defense, indicating to the world that it was not in any offensive state. Sep 04 07, 5:29 PM