George Herbert Walker Bush served two terms as Vice President from 1981-1989 and went on to become the 41st President of the United States from 1989-1993.
Early Life
Bush was born in Milton, Massachusetts on June 12, 1924, to parents Prescott and Dorothy Bush. One of five children, Bush had a close-knit family that was very important to him. He attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts with his older brother Prescott. On his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the armed forces. Two months later, he boarded a train to North Carolina for flight training where he earned his wings in one year, becoming the youngest pilot in the U.S. Navy.
Bush flew 58 combat missions during World War II. During one mission over the Pacific, he was shot down by Japanese anti-aircraft fire and was rescued in the water by a U.S. submarine. In 1945, he married Barbara Pierce and they had six children.
He attended Yale University, and as part of an accelerated program, he graduated in two and half years with a degree in economics. He then moved to West Texas to begin a successful career in the oil industry. He started exploring politics.
Early Career
Interested in public service and politics, Bush became the Republican Party chairman in Harris County, Texas. In 1966, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Houston’s 7th District. Later, he was appointed to a variety of positions including: Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
In 1980, Bush campaigned for the Republican nomination for President. Although he was unsuccessful, he was chosen as Ronald Reagan’s running mate.
Presidency
In 1988, Bush won the Republican nomination for President. During the campaign, he made the memorable pledge: “Read my lips, no new taxes!” He defeated Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis.
During his presidency, Bush sent American troops into Panama to overthrow the corrupt regime of General Manuel Noriega, who threatened the security of the canal and the Americans living there. The world watched the collapse of communism and the close of the Cold War.
In addition, Bush vowed to free Kuwait from Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s invasion. Bush rallied the United Nations, the U.S. Congress and the American public, and sent 425,000 American troops to Kuwait. After weeks of air and missile bombardment, the 100-hour land battle known as “Operation Desert Storm” routed Iraq’s million-man army.
Despite Bush’s military triumph, he was unsuccessful in his bid for a second term. He was unable to withstand the discontent from Americans due to a declining economy, increased inner-city violence and continued high deficit spending. Despite his pledge, he raised taxes.
At the age of ninety-four, Bush passed away on November 30, 2018. He lived to see his son, George W. Bush become the 43rd President.
