Francis E. Walter (PJW)

Francis E. Walter (May 26, 1984 - May 31, 1963) served as United States Secretary of State under President John Wayne from 1959 to 1961. Originally a Democrat member of the House of Representatives, he switched party lines to Republican following Senator Estes Kefauver's campaign for civil rights in the 1956 presidential election. Walter was a staunch anti-communist and chairman for the House Un-American Activities Committee. His work there caught the attention of Wayne, who nominated him for Secretary of State after the death of John Foster Dulles. During his brief role as Secretary of State, Walter's doctrine was to prevent the spread of communism abroad by first cleansing it from the United States. Actively working with Attorney General James D. Johnson, the Civil Protection Unit were established, a domestic police force that would keep the peace. The CPU was notorious for its brutal methods and discrimination. Walter's tough stance on immigration would be utilized during the subsequent presidency of Harry F. Byrd.

After the 1960 election, Walter would retire from active politics and died in 1963.