American financier and politician who served as 2nd Under Secretary of the Navy, playing a crucial role in the US's WWII efforts and later advocating for the use of atomic bombs. He's also known for his opposition to the Japanese American internment during WWII.
Ralph Austin Bard, a Chicago financier, is renowned for his courageous dissent against the use of the atomic bomb on Japan without prior warning. As Assistant Secretary of the Navy (1941-1944) and Under Secretary (1944-1945), Bard's memorandum to Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson in 1945 remains a testament to his unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles.
Born on July 29, 1884, in Cleveland, Ohio, Bard was the second of three children to George Morris Bard and Helen Norwood Bard. He graduated from Princeton University in 1906, where he excelled in sports, earning letters in baseball, basketball, and football. After graduating, Bard embarked on a successful career as an investment banker in Chicago, eventually becoming the head of his own firm.
Bard was an active Republican, but his commitment to public service led him to accept the appointment as Assistant Secretary of the Navy by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat. As Assistant Secretary, Bard oversaw civilian personnel and general administration, implementing a comprehensive industrial relations program to improve training, classification, safety, labor relations, recruiting, and efficient use of manpower.
Bard's civic engagement extended beyond his government service. He was involved with the Boy Scouts of America, the American Red Cross, and served as a trustee of Northwestern University. His personal relationships and community involvement earned him a reputation as a dedicated public servant.
In June 1945, Bard penned a memorandum to Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson, urging that Japan be warned before the use of the atomic bomb on a strategic city. Bard's courageous dissent was a lone voice amidst the chaos of war, and his plea for humanity in the face of devastation remains a powerful testament to his character.
Bard married Mary Hancock Spear in 1909, and they had four children, including Katharine Bard, an accomplished actress. Throughout his life, Bard remained committed to his values of compassion, fairness, and public service. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of humanitarian principles in decision-making, even in the most critical of times.
Ralph Austin Bard's remarkable life serves as a testament to the power of compassion, fairness, and public service. His courageous dissent against the use of the atomic bomb without warning remains an enduring legacy, inspiring future generations to prioritize humanitarian principles in decision-making.
Born in 1874
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