The 14th Director of Central Intelligence led the CIA from 1987 to 1991, overseeing significant events like the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War. He's also known for his stint as a federal judge and FBI director.
William H. Webster is an American jurist and attorney who made history by becoming the only person to serve as both the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Director of Central Intelligence (CIA). His illustrious career spanned over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the country's law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Webster was born on March 6, 1924, in St. Louis, Missouri. He received his early education in Webster Groves, Missouri, and later served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he attended Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1947. He was a member of the Psi Upsilon fraternity during his time at Amherst.
Webster then pursued his Juris Doctor from the Washington University in St. Louis, which he completed in 1949. After law school, he served in the Navy again during the Korean War, and later joined the St. Louis law firm Armstrong Teasdale.
Webster's career in public service began when he became the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri in 1960. He held this position until 1961, and later served as a member of the Missouri Board of Law Examiners from 1964 to 1969.
In 1970, President Richard Nixon nominated Webster to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. He was confirmed by the Senate and received his commission on December 21, 1970. Webster's service was terminated on August 10, 1973, due to his elevation to the Eighth Circuit.
In 1978, President Jimmy Carter appointed Webster as the Director of the FBI, a position he held until 1987. During his tenure, he oversaw several high-profile investigations, including the Abscam sting operation and the case of American spy John Walker.
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan appointed Webster as the Director of Central Intelligence, making him the first person to hold both positions. He served in this capacity until 1991, overseeing the CIA's role in the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War.
After retiring from the CIA, Webster served as the chairman of the Homeland Security Advisory Council from 2005 to 2020. He also worked as a senior partner at the law firm Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy.
Throughout his career, Webster has been recognized for his dedication to public service and his commitment to upholding the law. His legacy continues to inspire generations of law enforcement and intelligence professionals.
Webster married his wife, Dr. Lynda Clugston, in 1947, and they have three children together. He has also been an active member of the Episcopal Church, serving as a vestryman and senior warden.
In his free time, Webster enjoys reading and playing tennis. He has also been known to quote the philosopher, Reinhold Niebuhr, saying, "The tendency to claim God for our own purposes is a perennial corruption."
William H. Webster's remarkable career serves as a testament to his dedication to public service and his commitment to upholding the law. As the only person to hold both the FBI and CIA director positions, his legacy continues to shape the country's law enforcement and intelligence agencies. His contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
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