David J. Witmer succeeds George Bergstrom as Pentagon architect

On April 11, 1942, architect David J. Witmer replaced George Bergstrom as the Pentagon's chief architect during the building's ongoing construction. Bergstrom had been responsible for the original architectural design but resigned after allegations of unrelated improper conduct associated with his position as president of the American Institute of Architects. The leadership change occurred while construction and architectural development were progressing concurrently under the Pentagon's accelerated wartime schedule. Initial drawings had been supplied in October 1941, and most architectural design work was completed by June 1, 1942. Witmer's appointment helped maintain continuity during a particularly demanding phase of construction, when engineers and contractors had to coordinate technical decisions while multiple sections of the enormous building were already being erected.