Wilson indicated his intention to retire from office shortly after the start of the second Eisenhower term and left on October 8 , 1957 . Eisenhower noted when Wilson stepped down that under him , " the strength of our security forces has not only been maintained but has been significantly increased " and that he had managed the Defense Department " in a manner consistent with the requirements of a strong , healthy national economy . " On October 9 , 1957 , Eisenhower presented Wilson with the Medal of Freedom
Medal of Freedom
Medal of Freedom (1945)
Charles Erwin Wilson