Rush B. Lincoln Jr.

United States Army

Early years In 1932, Lincoln graduated at the top of his class at the United States Military Academy. He was promoted to first lieutenant on September 22, 1935, and by 1942 was a lieutenant colonel.

World War II Lincoln was promoted to colonel on September 13, 1944. During World War II, Lincoln took part in the seven conferences between the heads of state and the combined chiefs of staff (Washington, the first and Second Quebec Conferences, Cairo, Tehran, Malta, and Yalta). In April 1951, he was assigned to the newly formed Logistics Division at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. The Logistics Division's mission was to develop facilities to enhance the military readiness of NATO countries as well as coordinate and develop plans to increase emergency preparedness.

During his tenure with the MBTA, Lincoln had difficulties with officials under him, who were appointed based on political affiliations and did not hold allegiance to Lincoln. He was publicly critical of deputy general managers Edward F. McLaughlin Jr. and Michael J. Powell, who he felt undercut his authority by dealing directly with the board of directors.

By 1967, the MBTA's deficit had grown to over $32 million annually and Lincoln came under pressure to resign. Lincoln resigned in September 1967, citing a "lack of understanding on the part of some people as how the affairs of the authority should be conducted and a lack of appreciation of the time it takes to plan and do a job so that it is done right the first time."

Note 1. On February 15, 1965 the Defense Traffic Management Service was succeeded by the Military Traffic Management and Terminal Service as a major command of the Department of the Army. John J. Lane was the first commander of the MTMTS.