Vincent P. De Poix
Encyclopedia
Vice Admiral Vincent P. de Poix USN, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy
, became a naval aviator and fought in World War II
. He was the first commander of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
, participated in the Vietnam War
, and commanded the United States Second Fleet. He was Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency
from August 1972 to September 1974.
, Easton, Pennsylvania, prior to entering the U.S. Naval Academy where he graduated with distinction. He was trained as a naval aviator at NAS Pensacola. In March 1944, he began ordnance engineering (aviation) instruction at the Naval Postgraduate School, Annapolis, Maryland. In August 1946, the Admiral attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
at Cambridge Mass, and received a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering. In 1959-1960, he entered a year of nuclear power operational training, receiving certification in 1960. In 1963-64, the Admiral attended the National War College
, Washington, D.C.
, then a year later, the USS Sicard (DD-346)
. After naval aviator training, he was attached to the Advance Carrier Training Group, San Diego, California. He served in the South Pacific from June 1942 until August 1943;
this timeframe included tours with Fighter Squadron 6 (VF-6) on board the USS Enterprise (CV-6)
and the USS Saratoga (CV-3)
, along with a shore based tour on Guadalcanal
,
and subsequent operations in the Solomon Islands campaign
.
Subsequent assignments included a tour with the Aviation Fire Control Unit at the Naval Ordnance Test Station, Inyokern, California. In January 1948 he was assigned command of Fighter Squadron 172 (VF-172)
based in Florida until June 1950; two years with the Aviation Ordnance Branch, Research and Development Division in the Bureau of Ordnance, Washington, D.C.; and then, in 1952, an assignment as Aviation Readiness and Aviation Ordnance Officer for the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He served in leadership positions in the Guided Missiles Division, Chief of Naval Operations, until June 1957, when he assumed command of Air Development Squadron 4, Point Mugu, California.
In March 1959, he became commanding officer of the USS Albemarle (AV-5)
, which was followed by training with the Office of the Assistant Director for Naval Reactors, Division of Reactor Development, Atomic Energy Commission.
In September 1960, he was ordered to duty as prospective commanding officer of the USS Enterprise.
Launched on 24 September 1960, she was the largest ship in the world and the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. When the vessel was commissioned on 25 November 1961, de Poix took command.
In July 1963, the Admiral was detached for instruction at the National War College
, Washington, D.C.
Admiral de Poix was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in 1964, followed by a tour in Defense Research and Engineering as Assistant Director for Administration and Management, and as Assistant Director, Operational Test and Evaluation.
He reported as Commander Carrier Division 7 (CARDIV-7), bound for Vietnam in August 1966.
The Admiral became Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Development) in September 1967, and then in February 1969, Deputy Director of Defense Research and Engineering (Administration, Evaluation and Management), Office of the Secretary of Defense. In August 1971, he assumed command of the Second Fleet.
, and became Director the next month.
Admiral de Poix continued the reorganization of the Agency begun by his predecessor, General Bennett. Streamlining the organization had become critical since severe manpower cutbacks had taken a major toll on the Agency. DIA manpower had been cut by one third after Vietnam. By 1973, nearly all elements had been consolidated and realigned.
In September 1972, Secretary of State William Rogers said that the US and the Soviet Union were moving away from a world of containment to one of engagement. Yet even though relations warmed into a period of détente, the need for Defense Intelligence did not diminish. Such intelligence was an intrinsic component of military strength, and, as President Nixon reiterated in the spring of 1973, the US had to remain militarily strong if negotiations with communist nations were to be successful.
President Nixon met with much success in foreign affairs, but quite the reverse in domestic issues. While some of his diplomatic and military decisions—in the latter case, for example, over how and when to end American involvement in Indochina—were controversial, nothing so undermined Americans' confidence in the executive as the Watergate break-in and the President's complicity in the cover-up. As the Intelligence Community was tied into the executive branch, that distrust tainted the public's perception of that community. Furthermore, many Americans believed that the Intelligence Community had itself engaged in some improper—if not illegal—actions abroad (there were suspicions about CIA involvement in the September 1973 Chilean coup). This meant that Admiral de Poix faced the challenge of steering DIA through some hostile waters.
The fourth major Arab-Israeli conflict, the Yom Kippur or October War, commenced on 6 October 1973. The massive attacks launched by Syria and Egypt had caught the Israelis unprepared, and was seen as a major intelligence failure for both the United States and Israel.
In the post-Watergate controversy surrounding American intelligence activities, DIA and its director answered detractors by remaining focused on providing quality products to national policy makers. The Agency's reputation grew as its products were increasingly perceived throughout the government as valuable to the decision-making process. The Agency was able to do this even while suffering from a personnel shortage, something which was of major concern at the Williamsburg Conference in 1972. Conference participants considered DIA resource decrements, while emphasizing technology and an upgrade of the National Military Intelligence Center (NMIC). The General Counsel function was also added.
The Agency's analysts wrestled with varied and numerous issues between the summer of 1972, when Admiral de Poix came on board, and the fall of 1974. They studied Lebanon, China (to aid in the normalizing of relations), the formation of Sri Lanka
, and, of course, Salvador Allende
's regime in Chile. The Agency also had analysts dedicated to the task of resolving Vietnam POW/MIA issues. They faced the intelligence challenges associated with maintaining détente, establishing arms control agreements (such as the SALT II talks in 1974), and the Paris Peace Accords
(Vietnam). Other issues of note were global energy concerns (such as the petroleum shortages that led to long gas lines), and troubles throughout Africa. These and other world events brought greater emphasis on DIA products by decision makers.
President Gerald Ford wanted continuity in foreign affairs, so he promised Congress in August 1974 that he would continue to try to improve relations with the Soviet Union and China. Defense intelligence would continue to play a role in informing US policies and negotiations. DIA and its director, Admiral de Poix, had managed not only to maintain continuity of operations during these critical years, but also improve DIA's performance.
One area of particular emphasis during Vice Admiral de Poix's leadership at DIA was the upgrading of the agency's human intelligence capability, accomplished by enhancing the effectiveness of the Defense Attaché System
.
Unit Awards
Badges
National Non-Military Awards
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
, became a naval aviator and fought in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. He was the first commander of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
USS Enterprise , formerly CVA-65, is the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the eighth US naval vessel to bear the name. Like her predecessor of World War II fame, she is nicknamed the "Big E". At , she is the longest naval vessel in the world...
, participated in the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
, and commanded the United States Second Fleet. He was Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency
Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency
The Director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency is a three-star military officer and is the highest ranking intelligence officer in the Department of Defense. He is the primary military intelligence advisor to the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and also...
from August 1972 to September 1974.
Early Life
Vice Admiral Vincent Paul de Poix was born in Los Angeles, California on 13 August 1916.Education and Training
Vice Admiral de Poix attended Lafayette CollegeLafayette College
Lafayette College is a private coeducational liberal arts and engineering college located in Easton, Pennsylvania, USA. The school, founded in 1826 by James Madison Porter,son of General Andrew Porter of Norristown and citizens of Easton, first began holding classes in 1832...
, Easton, Pennsylvania, prior to entering the U.S. Naval Academy where he graduated with distinction. He was trained as a naval aviator at NAS Pensacola. In March 1944, he began ordnance engineering (aviation) instruction at the Naval Postgraduate School, Annapolis, Maryland. In August 1946, the Admiral attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT has five schools and one college, containing a total of 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological education and research.Founded in 1861 in...
at Cambridge Mass, and received a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering. In 1959-1960, he entered a year of nuclear power operational training, receiving certification in 1960. In 1963-64, the Admiral attended the National War College
National War College
The National War College of the United States is a school in the National Defense University. It is housed in Roosevelt Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., the third-oldest Army post still active. It was officially established on July 1, 1946, as an upgraded replacement for the...
, Washington, D.C.
Career
After being commissioned an Ensign on 1 June 1939 he joined the USS Minneapolis (CA-36)USS Minneapolis (CA-36)
USS Minneapolis was a New Orleans class heavy cruiser built for the United States Navy before the outbreak of World War II, the second ship named for Minneapolis, Minnesota....
, then a year later, the USS Sicard (DD-346)
USS Sicard (DD-346)
USS Sicard was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy following World War I. She was named for Montgomery Sicard.-History:...
. After naval aviator training, he was attached to the Advance Carrier Training Group, San Diego, California. He served in the South Pacific from June 1942 until August 1943;
this timeframe included tours with Fighter Squadron 6 (VF-6) on board the USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USS Enterprise (CV-6)
USS Enterprise , colloquially referred to as the "Big E," was the sixth aircraft carrier of the United States Navy and the seventh U.S. Navy ship to bear the name. Launched in 1936, she was a ship of the Yorktown class, and one of only three American carriers commissioned prior to World War II to...
and the USS Saratoga (CV-3)
USS Saratoga (CV-3)
USS Saratoga was the second aircraft carrier of the United States Navy and the fifth ship to bear her name. She was commissioned one month earlier than her sister and class leader, , which is the third actually commissioned after and Saratoga...
, along with a shore based tour on Guadalcanal
Guadalcanal
Guadalcanal is a tropical island in the South-Western Pacific. The largest island in the Solomons, it was discovered by the Spanish expedition of Alvaro de Mendaña in 1568...
,
and subsequent operations in the Solomon Islands campaign
Solomon Islands campaign
The Solomon Islands campaign was a major campaign of the Pacific War of World War II. The campaign began with Japanese landings and occupation of several areas in the British Solomon Islands and Bougainville, in the Territory of New Guinea, during the first six months of 1942...
.
Subsequent assignments included a tour with the Aviation Fire Control Unit at the Naval Ordnance Test Station, Inyokern, California. In January 1948 he was assigned command of Fighter Squadron 172 (VF-172)
based in Florida until June 1950; two years with the Aviation Ordnance Branch, Research and Development Division in the Bureau of Ordnance, Washington, D.C.; and then, in 1952, an assignment as Aviation Readiness and Aviation Ordnance Officer for the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He served in leadership positions in the Guided Missiles Division, Chief of Naval Operations, until June 1957, when he assumed command of Air Development Squadron 4, Point Mugu, California.
In March 1959, he became commanding officer of the USS Albemarle (AV-5)
USS Albemarle (AV-5)
USS Albemarle was one of only two Curtiss-class seaplane tenders built for the United States Navy just prior to the United States' entry into World War II. Named for Albemarle Sound and Albemarle, North Carolina, and Albemarle County, Virginia, she was the third U.S...
, which was followed by training with the Office of the Assistant Director for Naval Reactors, Division of Reactor Development, Atomic Energy Commission.
In September 1960, he was ordered to duty as prospective commanding officer of the USS Enterprise.
Launched on 24 September 1960, she was the largest ship in the world and the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. When the vessel was commissioned on 25 November 1961, de Poix took command.
In July 1963, the Admiral was detached for instruction at the National War College
National War College
The National War College of the United States is a school in the National Defense University. It is housed in Roosevelt Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., the third-oldest Army post still active. It was officially established on July 1, 1946, as an upgraded replacement for the...
, Washington, D.C.
Admiral de Poix was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in 1964, followed by a tour in Defense Research and Engineering as Assistant Director for Administration and Management, and as Assistant Director, Operational Test and Evaluation.
He reported as Commander Carrier Division 7 (CARDIV-7), bound for Vietnam in August 1966.
The Admiral became Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Development) in September 1967, and then in February 1969, Deputy Director of Defense Research and Engineering (Administration, Evaluation and Management), Office of the Secretary of Defense. In August 1971, he assumed command of the Second Fleet.
Defense Intelligence Agency
Admiral de Poix reported as Deputy Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in July 1972, and became Director the next month.
Admiral de Poix continued the reorganization of the Agency begun by his predecessor, General Bennett. Streamlining the organization had become critical since severe manpower cutbacks had taken a major toll on the Agency. DIA manpower had been cut by one third after Vietnam. By 1973, nearly all elements had been consolidated and realigned.
In September 1972, Secretary of State William Rogers said that the US and the Soviet Union were moving away from a world of containment to one of engagement. Yet even though relations warmed into a period of détente, the need for Defense Intelligence did not diminish. Such intelligence was an intrinsic component of military strength, and, as President Nixon reiterated in the spring of 1973, the US had to remain militarily strong if negotiations with communist nations were to be successful.
President Nixon met with much success in foreign affairs, but quite the reverse in domestic issues. While some of his diplomatic and military decisions—in the latter case, for example, over how and when to end American involvement in Indochina—were controversial, nothing so undermined Americans' confidence in the executive as the Watergate break-in and the President's complicity in the cover-up. As the Intelligence Community was tied into the executive branch, that distrust tainted the public's perception of that community. Furthermore, many Americans believed that the Intelligence Community had itself engaged in some improper—if not illegal—actions abroad (there were suspicions about CIA involvement in the September 1973 Chilean coup). This meant that Admiral de Poix faced the challenge of steering DIA through some hostile waters.
The fourth major Arab-Israeli conflict, the Yom Kippur or October War, commenced on 6 October 1973. The massive attacks launched by Syria and Egypt had caught the Israelis unprepared, and was seen as a major intelligence failure for both the United States and Israel.
In the post-Watergate controversy surrounding American intelligence activities, DIA and its director answered detractors by remaining focused on providing quality products to national policy makers. The Agency's reputation grew as its products were increasingly perceived throughout the government as valuable to the decision-making process. The Agency was able to do this even while suffering from a personnel shortage, something which was of major concern at the Williamsburg Conference in 1972. Conference participants considered DIA resource decrements, while emphasizing technology and an upgrade of the National Military Intelligence Center (NMIC). The General Counsel function was also added.
The Agency's analysts wrestled with varied and numerous issues between the summer of 1972, when Admiral de Poix came on board, and the fall of 1974. They studied Lebanon, China (to aid in the normalizing of relations), the formation of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
, and, of course, Salvador Allende
Salvador Allende
Salvador Allende Gossens was a Chilean physician and politician who is generally considered the first democratically elected Marxist to become president of a country in Latin America....
's regime in Chile. The Agency also had analysts dedicated to the task of resolving Vietnam POW/MIA issues. They faced the intelligence challenges associated with maintaining détente, establishing arms control agreements (such as the SALT II talks in 1974), and the Paris Peace Accords
Paris Peace Accords
The Paris Peace Accords of 1973 intended to establish peace in Vietnam and an end to the Vietnam War, ended direct U.S. military involvement, and temporarily stopped the fighting between North and South Vietnam...
(Vietnam). Other issues of note were global energy concerns (such as the petroleum shortages that led to long gas lines), and troubles throughout Africa. These and other world events brought greater emphasis on DIA products by decision makers.
President Gerald Ford wanted continuity in foreign affairs, so he promised Congress in August 1974 that he would continue to try to improve relations with the Soviet Union and China. Defense intelligence would continue to play a role in informing US policies and negotiations. DIA and its director, Admiral de Poix, had managed not only to maintain continuity of operations during these critical years, but also improve DIA's performance.
One area of particular emphasis during Vice Admiral de Poix's leadership at DIA was the upgrading of the agency's human intelligence capability, accomplished by enhancing the effectiveness of the Defense Attaché System
Defense Attaché System
The Defense Attaché System is a part of the Defense Intelligence Agency in the United States that provides military and civilian attachés to foreign governments.- History :...
.
Awards, Decorations & Badges
Military Decorations| Distinguished Service Medal with three Gold Stars | |
 |
Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... |
| Air Medal Air Medal The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:... with Gold Star |
|
 |
Purple Heart Purple Heart The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York... |
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Joint Service Commendation Medal |
 |
American Defense Service Medal American Defense Service Medal The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:... |
 |
American Campaign Medal American Campaign Medal The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt... |
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Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal |
 |
World War II Victory Medal World War II Victory Medal The World War II Victory Medal is a decoration of the United States military which was created by an act of Congress in July 1945. The decoration commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of... |
| National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... with Bronze Star |
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 |
Korean Service Medal Korean Service Medal The Korean Service Medal is an award of the United States military and was created in November 1950 by executive order of President Harry Truman. The Korean Service Medal is the primary United States medal for participation in the Korean War and is awarded to any U.S. service member, who... |
| United Nations Service Medal United Nations Service Medal The United Nations Service Medal for Korea is an international military decoration which was established by the United Nations on December 12, 1950... |
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Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy... (Cuba) |
| Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during... with Bronze Star |
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National Order of Vietnam National Order of Vietnam The National Order of Vietnam was a combined military-civilian decoration of South Vietnam and was considered the highest honor that could be bestowed upon an individual by the Republic of Vietnam government.... (Grand Officer) |
| (oversized image) | Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm |
 |
Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is... |
Unit Awards
| Presidential Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation The Presidential Unit Citation is a senior unit award granted to military units which have performed an extremely meritorious or heroic act, usually in the face of an armed enemy... . |
Badges
| Joint Staff Identification Badge |
| Defense Intelligence Agency Badge |
National Non-Military Awards
 |
Distinguished Intelligence Medal Distinguished Intelligence Medal The Distinguished Intelligence Medal is awarded by the Central Intelligence Agency for performance of outstanding services or for achievement of a distinctly exceptional nature in a duty or responsibility.-Notable Recipients:Robert G. Brewster... |