US Presidential Adviser. As Chief of Civil Defense during the administration of President John F. Kennedy, he initiated the program which featured the utilization of fallout-shelters nationwide. The son of a chemical engineer, he was raised in Manhattan. After attaining his law degree from Yale, he landed a position with Pan American Airways. During World War II, he served with the United States Marine Corps and was awarded a Silver Star after seeing action in the South Pacific Theater. Upon returning home, he made a name for himself when he served as a legal adviser to the Marshall Plan. During his tenure as Chief of Civil Defense the United States became embroiled in the "Cuban Missile Crisis" (October 1962) and as a result, Pittman prioritized efforts in preserving civilian safety with his development and implementation of the fall-out shelter designed to protect in the event of a nuclear war. They would be placed within public buildings throughout the country. Funding appropriated from Congress by President Kennedy following the construction of the Berlin Wall was to be used for the program. However once the threat of danger from Cuba passed, the idea became forgotten. In 1964, Pittman served as Assistant Secretary of Defense under President Lyndon Johnson. He later returned to practicing law privately. Additionally, he became involved with environmental causes within Maryland.
US Presidential Adviser. As Chief of Civil Defense during the administration of President John F. Kennedy, he initiated the program which featured the utilization of fallout-shelters nationwide. The son of a chemical engineer, he was raised in Manhattan. After attaining his law degree from Yale, he landed a position with Pan American Airways. During World War II, he served with the United States Marine Corps and was awarded a Silver Star after seeing action in the South Pacific Theater. Upon returning home, he made a name for himself when he served as a legal adviser to the Marshall Plan. During his tenure as Chief of Civil Defense the United States became embroiled in the "Cuban Missile Crisis" (October 1962) and as a result, Pittman prioritized efforts in preserving civilian safety with his development and implementation of the fall-out shelter designed to protect in the event of a nuclear war. They would be placed within public buildings throughout the country. Funding appropriated from Congress by President Kennedy following the construction of the Berlin Wall was to be used for the program. However once the threat of danger from Cuba passed, the idea became forgotten. In 1964, Pittman served as Assistant Secretary of Defense under President Lyndon Johnson. He later returned to practicing law privately. Additionally, he became involved with environmental causes within Maryland.
Bio by: C.S.
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