Joseph “Max” Cleland, a Vietnam War veteran and former leader of the Veterans Administration whose political career spanned more than four decades, died Tuesday from congestive heart failure at his home in Atlanta, his personal assistant Linda Dean told CNN. He was 79.
Born on August 24, 1942 in Atlanta, Cleland had an extensive career in politics and was appointed to several key roles in different administrations. He graduated from Stetson University with a bachelor’s degree in English and from Emory University with a master’s degree in American history. He joined the US Army in 1965 and while on duty during the Vietnam War, he lost two legs and part of an arm after a grenade exploded. He was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device, the Silver Star and the Soldier’s Medal, according to a post from the Department of Veteran Affairs. Cleland, a Democrat, started his political career in 1970 when he was elected to the Georgia Senate, where he served two terms. He was appointed administrator of the Veterans Administration, now the Department of Veterans Affairs, under then-President Jimmy Carter in 1977 and led the department until 1981.
