SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – Former defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld has died at the age of 88.
According to a statement from his family, Rumsfeld was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death.
The Chicago native served in the U.S. Navy as a pilot and flight instructor from 1954 to 1957 and then with the US Navy reserves until 1989 when he retired as a captain.
In 1975, Rumsfeld made history by becoming the youngest defense secretary under President Gerald Ford.
In 2001, Rumsfeld held that role again during the George W. Bush administration.
He was also awarded the presidential medal of freedom in 1977.
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Donald Rumsfeld dies at 88 The former Defense secretary oversaw Iraq, Afghanistan wars
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