Fact Check: The position of Secretary of War was eliminated in 1947.

Fact Check: The position of Secretary of War was eliminated in 1947.

Published July 12, 2025
VERDICT
True

# Fact Check: The position of Secretary of War was eliminated in 1947 ## What We Know The position of Secretary of War was indeed abolished on **Sept...

Fact Check: The position of Secretary of War was eliminated in 1947

What We Know

The position of Secretary of War was indeed abolished on September 18, 1947, as a result of the National Security Act of 1947. This act reorganized the military structure of the United States, transferring the responsibilities of the Secretary of War to the newly established Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Air Force, both of whom would operate under the Secretary of Defense (National Archives). The National Security Act aimed to unify the military services and enhance national security in the post-World War II era (Truman Library).

The last individual to hold the title of Secretary of War was Kenneth Claiborne Royall, who served briefly in 1947 before the position was officially dissolved (Wikipedia).

Analysis

The claim that the position of Secretary of War was eliminated in 1947 is supported by multiple credible sources. The National Archives provides a detailed administrative history confirming that the position was abolished by the National Security Act, which was enacted on July 26, 1947, and became effective in September of the same year (National Archives).

Additionally, the Truman Library corroborates this information, stating that the functions of the Secretary of War were transferred to the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Air Force (Truman Library).

The Wikipedia entry on the Secretary of War also notes the abolishment of the position in 1947, along with the transition to the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Air Force (Wikipedia).

While Wikipedia is generally a reliable starting point for research, it is always prudent to cross-reference with primary sources or official records, such as those from the National Archives and the Truman Library, which provide authoritative confirmation of the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that the position of Secretary of War was eliminated in 1947 is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources, including the National Archives and the Truman Library, confirms that the position was officially abolished on September 18, 1947, as part of a significant reorganization of the U.S. military structure under the National Security Act.

Sources

  1. Records of the Office of the Secretary of War - National Archives
  2. Public Statements of the Secretary of War (Record Group ...
  3. Secretaries of Defense
  4. United States Secretary of War
  5. Kenneth Claiborne Royall
  6. When was the Secretary of War position abolished?
  7. 10 U.S. Cabinet Departments that were Renamed or No Longer Exist
  8. National Security Act | EBSCO Research Starters

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