William J. Hopkins (civil servant)

William J. Hopkins (1910 – July 29, 2004) was an American civil servant.[1][2] Hopkins served as the Executive Clerk of the White House from 1943 to 1966.[3]

Biography

Career

Hopkins first worked at the White House in 1931, under President Herbert Hoover.[4] Hopkins retired as Executive Assistant to the President on May 28, 1971.[5]

In 1971, Hopkins was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Richard Nixon read the following citation upon awarding the Medal of Freedom to Hopkins:[5]

During his forty years in the White House, under seven Presidents, William J. Hopkins has written a record of skilled and devoted service unique in the annals of the Presidency. Not only has he borne heavy responsibilities with great efficiency and uncommon good sense, but each new President in turn has learned to rely on him as a fount of wisdom, a reservoir of experience and a rock of loyalty. Guiding each new administration through its initial steps, standing as a staunch friend to all, he has been, in the best sense, a selfless partisan of the Presidency, and of the Nation that these seven Presidents have been able to serve better because of the help that he gave.

Personal life

Hopkins was born in Netawaka, Kansas in 1910.[3][6] He died on July 29, 2004 at the age of 94, in Gainesville, Florida.[7]

References
  1. "Hopkins, William J. | JFK Library". www.jfklibrary.org. Retrieved 2020-02-25.
  2. "Notes on People". The New York Times. 1971-06-03. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-02-25.
  3. "Hopkins, William J.: Oral History Interview - JFK #1, 6/3/1964 | JFK Library". www.jfklibrary.org. Retrieved 2020-02-25.
  4. "William Hopkins Oral History Interview | Harry S. Truman". www.trumanlibrary.gov. Retrieved 2020-02-25.
  5. M, Nixon, Richard (1972-01-01). Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Richard M. Nixon, 1971. Best Books on. p. 191. ISBN 978-1-62376-917-8.
  6. "Civilian Honor To Kansan". The Manhattan Mercury. 1971-06-03. p. 13. Retrieved 2020-02-25.
  7. "July 31, 2004". Gainesville Sun. Retrieved 2020-02-25.
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