Hyman George Rickover was a four-star admiral of the United States Navy. He directed the original development of naval nuclear propulsion and is known as the "Father of the Nuclear Navy."
By the late 1970's, Rickover had survived more than two decades of attempts by the Navy brass to force him into retirement. They made him work out of a converted ladies room and passed him over twice for promotion. Despite their efforts, his powerful friends on the House and on Senate Armed Services Committees ensured that he remained on active duty.
After 63 years of service to his country under 13 presidents—Woodrow Wilson through Ronald Reagan —and well in his 80's, Rickover was forced to retire from the Navy by Secretary of the Navy, John Lehman, with the consent of President Reagan.
In 1981 Rickover's wife heard on the radio that President Reagan had retired the admiral. At that time Rickover was conducting sea trials, and she had to give him the news.
A couple of weeks later, he was invited to the Oval Office. He refused to take a seat. He listened as the president asked him to be his 'special nuclear advisor', and replied: "Mr. President, that is bullshit," and then left the office.
Admiral Rickover was 86 years old when he passed away on July 8, 1986.
