Nickname(s) Biff Religion Christian Portrayed by David Andrews | Spouse(s) Dora Cresswell Rank Major General, USMC | |
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Occupation Judge Advocate General of the United States Navy Children Cameron Cresswell (daughter) First appearance Whole New Ball Game (10/29/2004) Last appearance Fair Winds and Following Seas (04/29/2005) Similar Sturgis Turner, Harriet Sims, Bud Roberts, A J Chegwidden, Caitlin Pike | ||
Major General Gordon M. 'Biff' Cresswell, JAGC, USMC (played by David Andrews) was the last Judge Advocate General of the United States Navy on the fictional television series JAG. Major General Gordon Cresswell succeeded Rear Admiral A.J. Chegwidden upon his retirement in 2005.
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Career
Like his predecessor, General Cresswell is also a graduate from the United States Naval Academy. Prior to his current assignment, he was the Staff Judge Advocate to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Prior to that, he served as the SJA in Iraq, where he was wounded and cited for saving a general's life. His injuries brought him to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he met President George W. Bush. When Admiral Chegwidden announced his retirement, Cresswell, then a colonel, was the administration's choice for the post.
A board of Naval and Marine flag and general officers submitted Cresswell's name to the Secretary of Defense for the post, but allegations of impropriety prompted a full hearing by the Senate Armed Services Committee. Committee members grilled Cresswell on a variety of topics including torture, presidential power, and the legality of the war in Iraq. Though his confirmation was doubtful, Cresswell ultimately won confirmation and appointment to the grade of Major General. Cresswell's major argument during his hearing in front of the senate was that "the Law is blind. She is also an Independent. And she doesn't care if you get re-elected next year," and that the JAG position "shouldn't be political."
General Cresswell's assumption of command at JAG headquarters did not go without pain. His appointment took most of the staff by surprise, including Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie and Commander Harmon Rabb. Also, while his direct leadership style was similar to Admiral Chegwidden's, the staff's unfamiliarity with him led to a great deal of nervousness. Added to that, Cresswell and MacKenzie were once acquainted while assigned in Okinawa. Cresswell, then the Staff Judge Advocate in Okinawa reprimanded the man with whom MacKenzie was having an affair. Though MacKenzie had worried that Cresswell would reprimand her for the incident, she later discovered Cresswell harbored no animosity toward her, since she was the junior officer involved.
Characterization
Like Admiral Chegwidden, General Cresswell comes off as rather hard-nosed, and bound to his post, However, unlike his predecessor, Cresswell is unafraid of taking risks when needed. He also is noted for lending a helping hand to his staff, and will, to the utmost of his abilities, and position, defend his staff if he knows them to be in the right in what they are doing.
He is an evangelical Christian.
Family
General Cresswell is married to Dora. He also has a daughter named Cameron "Cammie", who currently attends the United States Naval Academy and is in a relationship with fellow cadet Mikey Roberts, younger brother of Cresswell's subordinate Bud Roberts (as of the end of the series).
Awards and decorations
He also has the Rifle Expert 2nd award, and Pistol Expert 2nd award.