Donald Rumsfeld, a former U.S. Secretary of Defense, died on June 29, 2021 at age 88. Rumsfeld served as Secretary of Defense for President Gerald Ford, and again for President George W. Bush. During his time in office, he directed the American response to the 9/11 attacks, and the subsequent invasion of Iraq. Rumsfeld was a career public servant, having served in positions on Capitol Hill prior to his service in the executive branch. In 1975, he was appointed Secretary of Defense, and he also held the positions of Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, White House Chief of Staff, and Ambassador to NATO. Rumsfeld was a controversial political figure, with his decisions as Defense Secretary coming under intense scrutiny during his later years. But those who knew him recalled a man of great intelligence and wit. Rumsfeld is survived by his wife and two children.