# David Packard

> American electrical engineer, businessman, and philanthropist (1912–1996)

**Wikidata**: [Q380484](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q380484)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Packard)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-packard

## Summary
David Packard was an American electrical engineer, businessman, and philanthropist who co-founded Hewlett-Packard in 1939. He served as Deputy Secretary of Defense under President Nixon and received numerous honors including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and National Medal of Technology.

## Biography
- Born: September 7, 1912, in Pueblo, Colorado
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Bachelor's degree from Stanford University (1934), Master's degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University (1938)
- Known for: Co-founding Hewlett-Packard and pioneering Silicon Valley culture
- Employer(s): Hewlett-Packard (co-founder), General Electric, United States Deputy Secretary of Defense
- Field(s): Electrical engineering, computer hardware, entrepreneurship

## Contributions
David Packard co-founded Hewlett-Packard in 1939 with William Hewlett in a Palo Alto garage, establishing what would become one of the world's leading technology companies. Under his leadership, HP pioneered numerous innovations in test and measurement equipment, calculators, and computers. Packard served as Deputy Secretary of Defense from 1969 to 1971, where he helped shape defense policy during the Vietnam War era. He established the David and Lucile Packard Foundation in 1964, which has since become one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the United States, focusing on conservation, science, and children's health. Packard also founded the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in 1987, advancing oceanographic research and marine science.

## FAQs
### Q: What is David Packard most famous for?
A: David Packard is most famous for co-founding Hewlett-Packard in 1939, which became a cornerstone of Silicon Valley and pioneered many technological innovations in computing and measurement equipment.

### Q: What awards did David Packard receive?
A: Packard received numerous awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1988), National Medal of Technology (1988), John Fritz Medal (1982), Hoover Medal (1974), and the Lemelson-MIT Prize (1995).

### Q: What was David Packard's role in government?
A: Packard served as United States Deputy Secretary of Defense from January 24, 1969, to December 13, 1971, under President Richard Nixon, helping shape defense policy during a critical period.

## Why They Matter
David Packard fundamentally shaped both the technology industry and American philanthropy. Through Hewlett-Packard, he helped establish Silicon Valley's culture of innovation, employee ownership, and technical excellence. His "HP Way" management philosophy, emphasizing respect for employees and open communication, became a model for tech companies worldwide. As a government official, he brought private sector efficiency to public service. Through his foundation and institutes, Packard created lasting institutions that continue to advance science, conservation, and education. His legacy lives on through HP's continued innovation, the Monterey Bay Aquarium's marine research, and the billions in philanthropic funding that bears his name.

## Notable For
- Co-founding Hewlett-Packard in 1939, establishing Silicon Valley's first major tech company
- Creating the "HP Way" management philosophy that influenced corporate culture globally
- Serving as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense during the Nixon administration
- Establishing the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, now one of America's largest philanthropies
- Founding the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in 1987

## Body
### Early Life and Education
David Packard was born on September 7, 1912, in Pueblo, Colorado. He earned his bachelor's degree from Stanford University in 1934 and completed his master's degree in electrical engineering from Stanford in 1938. His education at Stanford proved crucial, as it was there he met William Hewlett, with whom he would later co-found Hewlett-Packard.

### Hewlett-Packard and Silicon Valley
In 1939, Packard and Hewlett founded Hewlett-Packard in a Palo Alto garage with an initial investment of $538. The company's first product was an audio oscillator, which they sold to Disney Studios for use in the movie "Fantasia." HP grew to become a leader in test and measurement equipment, calculators, and computers. Packard served as company president from 1947 to 1964 and CEO from 1964 to 1968, then again from 1969 to 1978.

### Government Service
Packard took a leave from HP to serve as Deputy Secretary of Defense from 1969 to 1971. He was recommended for this position by his friend Robert McNamara and was confirmed by the Senate on January 21, 1969. During his tenure, he worked to improve defense procurement and management systems.

### Philanthropy and Legacy
In 1964, Packard and his wife Lucile established the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, which has donated billions to causes including conservation, science, and children's health. The foundation's assets grew to over $8 billion by the time of Packard's death. He also founded the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in 1987, which has become a world leader in oceanographic research.

### Personal Life
Packard married Lucile Salter in 1938, and they had four children: David Woodley Packard, Susan Packard Orr, Nancy Packard Burnett, and Julie Packard. His daughter Julie now leads the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Packard died on March 26, 1996, in Stanford, California, and is buried in Palo Alto.

## References

1. Geni.com
2. [Source](https://www.nationalmedals.org/laureates)
3. [Source](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639)
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5. [Source](http://www.aei.org/events/seriesID.8/series_detail.asp)
6. [Source](https://www.nasonline.org/programs/awards/public-welfare-medal.html)
7. [Source](https://www.ieee.org/content/dam/ieee-org/ieee/web/org/about/awards/recipients/founders-rl.pdf)
8. [Source](https://www.heinzawards.org/pages/william-hewlett-david-packard)
9. [Source](https://www.washingtonaward.com/directory/1970s/)
10. [Franklin Institute website](https://fi.edu/en/awards/laureates/david-packard-0)
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