Pierre Salinger
Pierre Salinger, born on June 14, 1925, in San Francisco, California, is recognized primarily for his role as press secretary to Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from 1961 to 1964. Although he is often associated with politics, Salinger was also a professional writer throughout his life, having begun his journalism career at the San Francisco Chronicle at the young age of seventeen. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as captain of a submarine chaser, a role that underscored his dedication to public service. Salinger gained prominence as an investigative reporter, which eventually led him to work closely with Kennedy, transitioning into the role of press officer during the 1960 presidential campaign.
In 1964, following a brief period in the U.S. Senate, Salinger returned to journalism and writing, authoring several notable books, including works on American government and history. His memoir, "P. S., a Memoir," published in 1995, provides insights into his diverse experiences. Salinger was married three times and had four children. In 2000, he relocated to France, fulfilling a promise to leave the U.S. if George W. Bush was elected president. He passed away in Le Thor, France, in 2004, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with both political history and literary contributions.
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Pierre Salinger
Author
- Born: June 14, 1925
- Birthplace: San Francisco, California
- Died: October 16, 2004
- Place of death: Cavaillon, France
Biography
Pierre Salinger, born Pierre Emil George Salinger, is best known not as a writer but as a political figure who first came to prominence as press secretary to President John F. Kennedy. However, Salinger was a writer by profession and maintained this career throughout his life. He was born on June 14, 1925, in San Francisco, California. His mother, Jehanne Bietry Salinger was Roman Catholic, and his father, Herbert Edgar Salinger, was Jewish.
Although Salinger was considered a child prodigy on piano, he decided early in his life on a career in journalism. He began working for the San Francisco Chronicle at age seventeen and was night city editor of that newspaper from 1946 through 1955. He received a B.S. degree from the University of San Francisco in 1947, his studies having been delayed by his service in World War II. He served in the U. S. Navy as the captain of a submarine chaser in the Pacific.
Following his work at the Chronicle, Salinger worked for a time at Collier’s magazine. He had been an investigative reporter for the Chronicle and for Collier’s, and his work led to a position with the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Improper Activities in Labor-Management Relations. This position attracted the attention of then-U. S. Senator John F. Kennedy. Salinger served as press officer during Kennedy’s 1960 presidential campaign, and he followed Kennedy to the White House, where he was the president’s press secretary until March, 1964.
In 1964, Salinger was appointed to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate after Senator Clair Engle of California died. However, he was unsuccessful in his bid to be elected to the office and left politics after his defeat. He returned to journalism and other forms of writing. Salinger authored or coauthored several books, including three novels. His books on American government, history, and policy received positive reviews, especially America Held Hostage: The Secret Negotiations. Reviewers praised the book, which dealt with America’s hostage crisis with Iran, for deepening public knowledge of the situation. Salinger’s novels also received praise for their authenticity of detail, based as they were on his life experiences. He published his memoirs, P. S., a Memoir in 1995.
Salinger was married three times and was the father of four children. In 2000, following the election of President George W. Bush, Salinger left the United States as he had promised to do if Bush were elected. He spent the rest of his life in France and died in Le Thor, France, in 2004.