James R. Schlesinger James Rodney Schlesinger ( February 15 , 1929 -- March 27 , 2014 ) was an American economist and public servant who was best known for serving as Secretary of Defense from 1973 to 1975 under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford .
James R. Schlesinger James Rodney Schlesinger ( February 15 , 1929 - March 27 , 2014 ) was United States Secretary of Defense from 1973 to 1975 under presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford .