K. T. Keller

Kaufman Thuma Keller (27 November 188521 January 1966), was an American corporate executive who served as the president of Chrysler Corporation from 1935 to 1950 and as its chairman of the board from 1950 to 1956. Under his leadership Chrysler got a contract from the US government for isolating Uranium 235, and he was a key figure in proposing a nickel plated device for this process that would allow replacement of much of the nickel with less expensive steel.

Public service

Following World War II, President Harry S. Truman appointed Keller as chairman of the President's Advisory Committee on the Merchant Marine in 1947. Truman also appointed Keller to serve as the director of the Office of Guided Missiles. In 1954, he was one of ten outstanding scientists and industrialists appointed to the newly formed Army Scientific Advisory Panel.

Keller was also a 33rd degree Freemason.

Awards

Keller received many awards and honors during his lifetime. In 1946, President Truman awarded him the Medal for Merit for his contribution during World War II.

Footnotes