From collection Member List
Wilton Persons is known for his successful military and political career. Persons was born on January 19, 1896, and grew up in Montgomery, Alabama. From 1912 to 1916, he attended Auburn University, where he studied engineering and joined Alabama Beta Chapter.
After graduation, Persons served in the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. In 1924, he accepted a position as professor of military science at the University of Minnesota, a role he held until 1929. In 1931, Persons graduated from Harvard University with a master’s degree in business administration.
Persons began his career at the White House in 1939 as a liaison officer to Congress. In this role, he helped guide decisions about the United States’ involvement in World War II. Persons also worked to convince Congress to extend the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, which required men between the ages of 21 and 36 to register for the draft.
In 1952, Wilton Persons retired from his governmental positions and worked on the presidential campaign of Dwight D. Eisenhower. After Eisenhower’s election, Persons served as White House Chief of Staff until 1961. He died on September 5, 1977.
After graduation, Persons served in the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. In 1924, he accepted a position as professor of military science at the University of Minnesota, a role he held until 1929. In 1931, Persons graduated from Harvard University with a master’s degree in business administration.
Persons began his career at the White House in 1939 as a liaison officer to Congress. In this role, he helped guide decisions about the United States’ involvement in World War II. Persons also worked to convince Congress to extend the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, which required men between the ages of 21 and 36 to register for the draft.
In 1952, Wilton Persons retired from his governmental positions and worked on the presidential campaign of Dwight D. Eisenhower. After Eisenhower’s election, Persons served as White House Chief of Staff until 1961. He died on September 5, 1977.
