William H. Webster, the only U.S. official to have led both the FBI and CIA, has died at the age of 101. His family announced the passing of the former law enforcement and intelligence leader, who was widely regarded as a patriot and dedicated public servant. Born on March 6, 1924, in St. Louis, Missouri, Webster served as a U.S. Navy lieutenant in World War II and the Korean War before earning his law degree from Washington University in 1949. His career took a pivotal turn when he was appointed FBI Director in 1978, a time when the agency was grappling with major corruption and surveillance scandals.
Webster’s tenure at the FBI was marked by significant events, including the indictment of former officials for illegal raids targeting associates of far-left fugitives. He emphasized the importance of ethical conduct, stating that CIA and FBI directors should be willing to resign if asked to do something they know is wrong. After nearly a decade at the FBI, Webster moved to the CIA, serving from 1987 to 1991 under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. His leadership at the CIA came amid the aftermath of the Iran-Contra scandal, which involved the secret sale of arms to Iran and diversion of proceeds to Nicaraguan rebels.
Despite his high reputation, Webster’s tenure at the CIA was not without criticism. He faced scrutiny for not detecting Soviet mole Aldrich Ames earlier, and some questioned his intelligence assessments during the Gulf War and the dissolution of the USSR. Additionally, in 2002, he briefly chaired a board overseeing accounting practices before resigning amid controversy over ties to a company accused of fraud. His cautious approach to domestic surveillance during his FBI tenure also drew criticism. Nevertheless, Webster’s legacy remains one of a dedicated public servant who spent over 60 years serving the country, earning the respect of the FBI and the nation.