Chuck Hagel is an American politician and former military officer who served as the 24th Secretary of Defense from 2013 to 2015 under President Barack Obama. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and was awarded two Purple Hearts for his service. Before his role in the Obama administration, Hagel was a U.S. Senator from Nebraska from 1997 to 2009, where he was known for his independent views and bipartisan approach. Hagel was born on October 4, 1946, in North Platte, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Nebraska and later entered the U.S. Army. After his time in the Senate, he focused on issues such as military strategy, foreign policy, and veterans' affairs during his tenure as Secretary of Defense.