Born Eduardo Hidalgo in Mexico City on October 12, 1912, Edward Hidalgo immigrated with his family to New York City in 1918. After becoming a U.S. citizen and anglicizing his name, he earned a law degree from Columbia University in 1936 and built a distinguished career in law and federal service.
During World War II, Hidalgo served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve and was assigned as an air combat intelligence officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise in the Pacific Theater. His service earned him the Bronze Star Medal.
After decades in legal practice and government service, President Jimmy Carter nominated Hidalgo as Secretary of the Navy in September 1979. Confirmed by the Senate and sworn in on October 24, 1979, he became the 54th Secretary of the Navy and the first Hispanic American to lead the department. During his tenure, Hidalgo promoted Hispanic recruitment and advancement within the Navy and helped lead the Navy’s response to major shipbuilding contract claims, including those involving General Dynamics.
