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J. William Middendorf II, a former Navy secretary and ambassador, has died at the age of 101.

He served as an engineering officer in World War II before a career in investment banking and politics.

Middendorf held three ambassadorships and served as Navy secretary under President Gerald R. Ford.

During his tenure as Navy secretary, he championed the Aegis missile system and the construction of Ohio-class submarines.

J. William Middendorf II , a former secretary of the Navy and ambassador who was a longtime Little Compton resident, died Friday, Oct. 24, in Fall River at the age of 101.

Middendorf was an engineering officer and navigator during World War II and went on to work as an investment banker and GOP fundraiser, rising to treasurer of the Republican Natio

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