Christian Archibald Herter Jr., former SAIS professor and son of SAIS founder and former Secretary of State Christian A. Herter, died September 16 in Washington, D.C., after a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 88.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Herter grew up in both Washington and Massachusetts, earning degrees from Harvard University and Harvard Law School in 1941 and 1948, respectively. He led an active life in both the public and private sectors, beginning his career at SAIS in 1982, where he taught International Law for nearly 20 years and served as a committed mentor to his many students.

“Everyone at SAIS who encountered Christian Herter Jr. holds fond memories,” said SAIS Dean Jessica P. Einhorn. “When he visited SAIS, he was always available with a kind word and a warm smile. During my tenure, in particular, we recall the unveiling of his father’s portrait, a particularly moving occasion marked by wonderful recollections from the generations involved in the school’s history.”

During World War II, Herter served in the U.S. Army, earning three Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. His accomplished career included serving as a partner of the Boston law firm of Bingham, Dana and Gould, deputy assistant secretary of State for Environmental and Population Affairs and chairman of the U.S. Section of the International Joint Commission of the United States and Canada. Herter held positions at Mobil Oil and the New York Urban Coalitionand was elected to the Massachusetts state legislature.

Michael Mandelbaum, Christian A. Herter Professor and director of the American Foreign Policy Program, was close to Herter Jr. “He was charming, decent, principled, a great patriot and a great friend of the school.”

He is survived by his wife, Catherine, a daughter, two sons and four stepchildren. Herter’s grandson, Will Herter, started at the SAIS Bologna Center this semester.