Hugh S. Johnson

Hugh S. Johnson
Portrait by Harris & Ewing c. 1918–1919
Administrator of the National Recovery Administration
In office
June 13, 1933 – September 24, 1934
PresidentFranklin D. Roosevelt
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byDonald Richberg
Personal details
BornHugh Samuel Johnson
(1882-08-05)August 5, 1882
DiedApril 15, 1942(1942-04-15) (aged 59)
Resting placeArlington National Cemetery
SpouseHelen Kilbourne
EducationUnited States Military Academy (BS)
University of California, Berkeley (BA, JD)
Nickname"Iron Pants"
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1903–1919
RankBrigadier General
UnitUnited States Cavalry
 • 1st Cavalry Regiment
Battles/warsWorld War I
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Hugh Samuel Johnson (August 5, 1882 – April 15, 1942) was a United States Army officer, businessman, speech writer, government official and newspaper columnist. He was a member of the Brain Trust of Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1932 to 1934. He wrote numerous speeches for FDR and helped plan the New Deal. Appointed head of the National Recovery Administration (NRA) in 1933, he was highly energetic in his "blue eagle" campaign to reorganize American business to reduce competition and raise wages and prices. Schlesinger (1958) and Ohl (1985) conclude that he was an excellent organizer, but that he was also domineering, abusive, outspoken, and unable to work harmoniously with his peers. He lost control of the NRA in August 1934.