Nomination of John O. Marsh, Jr., To Be Secretary of the Army

The President today announced his intention to nominate John O. Marsh, Jr., as Secretary of the Army.

Mr. Marsh was leader of the national security group and legal adviser to the Department of Defense transition team.

He is a partner with the firm of Mays, Valentine, Davenport & Moore and served as a Member of the House of Representatives from 1962 to 1970. From 1974 to 1977, Mr. Marsh served as Counsellor to President Ford, with Cabinet rank. From February 1974 to August 1974, Mr. Marsh served as assistant to the Vice President. From 1973 to 1974, Mr. Marsh served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs.

Mr. Marsh entered the Army in 1944 and was selected for infantry O.C.S. at Fort Benning at 18; commissioned at 19. He served in the Army of the Occupation of Germany. During 1947 to 1951, he was an officer in the Army Reserve. In 1951 he joined the 116th Infantry Regiment of the Virginia National Guard. He retired in 1976 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

He has been awarded the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal, the American Legion Distinguished Service Medal, and the National Guard Distinguished Service Award.

Mr. Marsh is a native of Virginia and graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1952 (LL.B.). He is 54.