Henry W. Hoagland, Jr. (1912-1995) was many things in his life: a businessman, a congressional and presidential advance man, and philanthropist. But he really laid the groundwork for much of his future success through his association with Gen. Georges F. Doriot, Harry’s professor at the Harvard School of Business Administration.
Georges Doriot is often referred to as “The Father of Venture Capital” who, through his Manufacturing course at Harvard Business School, had mentored many young businessmen who would eventually become the heads of American corporations. One of his most successful students was Harry Hoagland.
After obtaining his MBA at Harvard, Harry completed his law degree at Stanford University and, in December of 1941, came to Washington to assist Gen. Doriot at the Military Planning Division of the Quartermaster General’s office, which was charged with, among other duties, outfitting American G.I.s. After spending the bulk of World War II with Gen. Doriot, Harry went to work for various governmental committees, including the newly formed Joint Committee on Atomic Energy, which was charged with congressional oversight over the Atomic Energy Commission. This was important, because with the recent detonation of atomic weapons in the war with Japan, there was much fear in America concerning the dangers of possible misuse of this technology.
As could be expected, there was an urgent need for men of impeccable character and loyalty who were needed to work for the committee and other activities related to it. Harry relied on the good advice, counsel and recommendations of Gen. Doriot, who in turn, expressed great pride in the accomplishments of his former aide.
As a teacher, Doriot wished to know more about atomic technology, and didn’t hesitate asking Harry questions about it. From a letter Doriot wrote Hoagland in December of 1947:
“As a teacher, there is one thing that rather interests me and bewilders me. From time to time, Mr Lilienthal (recently confirmed head of the AEC), then more recently the attorney general, make [sic] speeches explaining that youth is at the crossroad; that atomic energy is an important subject about which the public should be fully informed. Youth should make up its mind what it wants to do with it.
“I talked those things over with my students and as a teacher, I am not at all able to tell youth what to do. Do you understand what it is that a teacher like myself should do? Have you any ideas as to what I should tell them to study in order to help them make up their minds about it? The students are bewildered. I am bewildered. Apparently there is something that both my students and I should be doing, but we do not know quite what it is or how we should go about it. But, I realize the importance of the problem. Last summer I had a group of men outline a study of the possible effects and relationships between nuclear developments and industry. Please advise me. I feel I am missing something. I invited Mr. Lilienthal to come and address my class, but he could not come. Obviously I need help from you. So please tell me how to be a better teacher.”
Harry of course helped Gen. Doriot as the professor had helped his former student, and their bond was further strengthened – laying the groundwork for Harry’s arrival shortly thereafter in Boston to serve as an officer of American Research and Development.
– Christopher Hartman
