If you want to understand why there’s hope for a rebirth in America—restoring it to once again cherish faith, family, and country—remember Bill Middendorf, who recently passed away at the age of 101. At every turning point in modern history, Bill helped turn the USA the right way.

Bill was part of the “greatest generation.” In 1944, he served as engineer officer and then navigator aboard a warship. He kept a model of the ship in his study.

Bill’s wartime experience started him on a lifetime of selfless service and, in particular, an enduring relationship with his Navy. Until his death, he remained an active supporter of the Naval War College Foundation.

In 1964, when Barry Goldwater ran for president, Bill was by his side as campaign finance chairman. Goldwater lost, but his campaign marked the beginning of the emergence of the modern conservative movement.

In the 1970s, Bill served as secretary of the Navy, steering the service past the low point of the post-Vietnam War era.

Then, Bill became a lifelong trustee of a fledgling think tank called The Heritage Foundation, an organization that has nurtured American conservative thought and policies from the dark days of Jimmy Carter’s presidency to the triumphs of President Donald Trump.

He was one the influential soldiers in the Reagan Revolution, serving as a key supporter in both the campaign and the administration. Bill was a determined advocate for missile defense and especially the Aegis System. He was a life-long advocate of “peace through strength.”

So intensely proud of Reagan’s efforts to end the long and dangerous Cold War and liberate captured nations from the communist yoke, Bill was one of the first Americans to race to Berlin to chip off a piece of the wall.

Then, when Trump stood on balcony of his building in New York City and declared his candidacy for president, Bill became one of his first and most enthusiastic supporters. While Trump may not sound or act like Reagan, Bill saw in him all of Reagan’s strength and character and knew Trump was going to be the next leader of the American conservative movement.

Even at 100, still writing op-eds and yet another book, there were few things that made Bill more excited than talking about Trump’s second presidency and the future opportunities for the American nation. 

There are plenty of obituaries and remembrances of Bill’s life that give far more details of his accomplishments, skills, and talents, as well as of his personal life of success and character as the father of a loving and gifted family.

What should not be lost, however, is recalling that at the great world-changing moments of choosing in modern history—from serving in World War II to ushering the resurgence of the modern American conservative movement—Bill didn’t just choose well, he led well, like a captain steering the great ship of state to the natural shore where family, and faith, and patriotism, and caring for this great country will flourish. 

America can only be as great as it is because the Bill Middendorfs of America gave us their best.

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