The President's News Conference
05/28/1952
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
I am a firm believer in the general principle that our defense establishment should be headed by a civilian.
I like to reward people who have spent their lives working for the welfare of the country.
I believe that the national interest will be served best by making an exception in this case.
Thanks in great part to your efforts, we build our national defense of the future on a solid foundation.