Born Jan. 1, 1895, in Washington, D.C.; died there May 2, 1972. Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 1924.

Hoover joined the FBI in 1917 as an agent. Under his leadership the FBI became one of the most reactionary institutions in the US government, performing the functions of political police. Hoover openly advocated repressive measures in dealing with progressive persons and organizations.