George H. W. Bush

ABOUT

George Herbert Walker Bush, born on June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts, served as the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. A member of the Republican Party, Bush's presidency was marked by significant events such as the end of the Cold War, the Gulf War, and the signing of major legislation. Prior to his presidency, he was the Vice President under Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989. His extensive public service career also included roles as a Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in China, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

BEFORE FAME

Before his extensive career in public service, Bush was an accomplished military aviator. Enlisting in the U.S. Navy on his 18th birthday during World War II, he became one of the youngest aviators in the Navy. He flew 58 combat missions and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, Bush attended Yale University, where he excelled both academically and athletically, graduating in 1948 with a degree in Economics. He then ventured into the oil business, eventually becoming a millionaire by the age of 40, which provided him the financial independence to enter politics.

TRIVIA

• Bush was the first sitting Vice President to be elected President since Martin Van Buren in 1836.
• His presidency saw the liberalization and eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union, making him a pivotal figure in ending the Cold War.
• Bush initiated Operation Desert Storm, a successful effort to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation in 1991.
• He skydived on his 75th, 80th, 85th, and 90th birthdays.
• In terms of U.S. history, Bush is remembered for signing the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, which prohibited discrimination based on disabilities.

FAMILY LIFE

George H. W. Bush was married to Barbara Pierce on January 6, 1945, until she passed away in 2018. The couple had six children: George W. Bush, who served as the 43rd President of the United States; Jeb Bush, the 43rd Governor of Florida; Neil, Marvin, Dorothy, and Robin, who sadly passed away from leukemia at the age of three. Bush often credited his family as a source of strength and support throughout his life and career.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Bush's tenure as President is closely associated with several key figures and global leaders. He worked alongside notable politicians such as Ronald Reagan, under whom he served as Vice President. Internationally, his leadership during the Gulf War saw him cooperating with leaders like Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom and Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union. Domestically, he partnered with both political adversaries and allies to pass significant legislation like the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. His legacy also intertwined with his son, George W. Bush, whose own presidency continued the Bush family's significant influence in American political history.