Gerald Rudolph Ford was the 38th President of the United States from August 1974 until January 1977. Ford was born on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska as Leslie Lynch King, Jr., being the son of Leslie Lynch King and Dorothy Ayer Gardner King. His parents separated two weeks after his birth and his mother took him to Grand Rapids, Michigan to live with her parents. On February 1, 1916, his mother Dorothy King married Gerald R. Ford, a paint salesman. The Fords began calling their son Gerald R. Ford, Jr. but this name became legal only on December 3, 1935. Aged 13, Ford knows that Gerald Ford Sr., was not his biological father, but it lasted until 1930 he met his biological father Leslie King, who made an unexpected stop in Grand Rapids. Ford grew up in a family with three younger half-brothers . Ford served in the House of Representatives from January 3, 1949 to December 6, 1973. He was re-elected twelve times, winning each time with more than 60% of the vote. As his ambition was to become Speaker of the House already in the early 1950s, he denied offers to run for both the Senate and the Michigan governorship in these years. In 1961 he became chairman of the House Republican Conference. In 1963 President Johnson appointed Ford to the Warren Commission to investigate the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He was the last living member of the Warren Commission. In 1965 Ford was chosen as the House minority leader, a post he held until 1973. As minority leader Ford made more than 200 speeches a year all across the country, which made him nationally known. He was not only a close friend of Richard Nixon for many years, but also a loyal supporter in both the 1968 and 1972 presidential elections. As in 1960, Ford was again considered as a vice presidential candidate in 1968. Because the Republicans did not attain a majority in the House, Ford was unable to reach his ultimate political goal, Speaker of the House. Instead, he became president of the Senate. Late in 1973 Spiro Agnew pleaded no contest to a charge of income tax evasion and resigned as Vice President. President Nixon was empowered by the 25th Amendment to appoint a new vice president and chose Ford. He was sworn in on December 6, 1973. On August 9, 1974, Nixon became the first president in U.S. history to resign from the office under the threat of impeachment in the Watergate scandal. The same day Gerald R. Ford took the oath of office as 38th President of the United States on August 9, 1974. Also in August 1974, Ford nominated Nelson Rockefeller for vice president, which nomination was confirmed by Congress on December 19, 1974. One month after taking office President Ford faced one of the toughest decisions in his career. He decided to grant Nixon a full, free and absolute pardon for all offences against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in. The public opinion was mostly negative about the pardon and there was even suspicion Ford and Nixon had made a deal to grant a pardon if Nixon would resign. Although this happened on September 8, 1974, it might have cost the re-election of Ford two years later. On November 24, 1974, in the conference hall of the Okeansky Sanitarium, Vladivostok, USSR, President Ford and Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev signed the SALT-treaty, following talks on the limitation of strategic offensive arms In March 1975, during the final days of the Vietnam War, Ford ordered the airlift of about 237,000 Vietnamese refugees to the United States. Two months later, on May 14, 1975, Ford ordered U.S. forces to retake the S.S. Mayaguez after its seizure by Cambodia, an action Ford characterized as an "act of piracy." The operation saved the ship's 39-member crew, but sadly 41 Americans were killed and 50 more wounded during the preparation and execution of the rescue. President Ford was twice the target of assassination attempts. Both took place in on two separate trips to California in September 1975 and both were 'performed' by women. On September 5, 1975 he survived an assassination attempt in Sacramento, California, by Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, a member of a cult once led by convicted mass murderer Charles Manson. On September 22, 1975, in San Francisco, California, Sara Jane Moore fired a shot at the president, but a bystander diverted the shot. Despite his former athletics skills, Gerald Ford tumbled several times during his presidency. No cause was ever communicated. At the Republican National Convention in August 1976, Ford fought off a serious challenge from Californian Governor Ronald Reagan to be nominated as his party's presidential candidate. He chose Senator Robert Dole of Kansas as his running mate. Although he succeeded in closing in on Democrat Jimmy Carter's large lead in the polls, President Ford finally lost one of the closest elections in history in November 1976. After leaving office, Gerald and Betty Ford returned to private life and moved to California where they built a new house in Rancho Mirage, which became his last residence. President Ford continued to actively participate in the political process and to speak out on important political issues. He lectured at hundreds of colleges and universities. In 1981, the Gerald R. Ford Library in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan, were dedicated. President Ford was the recipient of numerous awards and honors by many civic organizations, like the recipient of many honorary Doctor of Law degrees from various public and private colleges and universities. In August 1999, President Bill Clinton presented Ford with the nation's highest civilian award, the Medal of Freedom. Two months later, in October 1999, Senate and House leaders presented Ford and his wife, Betty, with the Congressional Gold Medal. Together with former President Carter, he served as honorary Co-Chair of the National Commission on Federal Election Reform in 2001. In May 2001 he was presented with the Profiles in Courage award for his controversial decision to pardon former President Nixon. In August 2000 Ford suffered a mild stroke while attending the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On May 16, 2003 following fluctuations in blood pressure and hot weather, Ford suffered dizzy spells on the golf course and taken to hospital. He was released the next day. Although President Ford cut back on his travel and public appearances in recent years, he attended funeral services for President Ronald Reagan at Washington's National Cathedral, sitting with former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Carter, and their wives in June 2004. In August 2006, he was discharged from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, after doctors tried to reduce or eliminate blockages in his coronary arteries. They also implanted a pacemaker to improve his heart performance. In the fall of 2006 Ford spent several days at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage for medical tests. He was released on October 16. On November 12, 2006, Ford officially became the longest-lived president, surpassing Ronald Reagan. Ford would extend the record by 45 days. On December 26, 2006 at 6:45 p.m., President Ford died in his house in Rancho Mirage, California. He was aged 93 years and 165 days old, making him the longest-lived United States President. No cause of death was communicated. A state funeral and memorial services were held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. on January 2, 2007. President Ford was buried at his presidential museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan. President Gerald Ford is survived by his wife Betty, after more than 58 years of marriage, and by their four children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Richard, of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Chosen as U.S. President Richard Nixon s vice president after the resignation of Spiro Agnew. Later, Ford succeeded Nixon as U.S. President when Nixon resigned from office. Ford is the first person to hold the office of U.S. President without the vote of the people.
Ford was sworn in as Vice President on 6 December 1973, after the resignation of then-Vice President Spiro Agnew.
Served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949-1973.
In 1963, U.S. President Johnson appointed Ford to the Warren Commission, which investigated the assassination of U.S. President Kennedy. Ford was the longest lived member of that Commission.
Ford pardoned U.S. President Nixon for Nixons involvement in Watergate, which was largely unpopular with the U.S. public. Many believe the pardon cost Ford the 1976 U.S. Presidential election, but Ford maintained that it was the right thing to do for the good of the country. In 2001, Senator Ted Kennedy , a staunch critic of the pardon in 1974, admitted that it had been the right decision for the country.
On two separate trips to California in September of 1975, Ford was the target of assassination attempts. Both of the assailants were women of Charles Manson s group of criminals, they were Lynette Fromme and Sara Jane Moore.
Played football while in college, and, after graduation, was offered positions with both the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. He declined each in favor of coaching boxing and football at Yale University.
His children and their birth-dates: Michael Gerald, born on Tuesday, March 14th, 1950. John Gardner was born on Sunday, March 16th, 1952. Steven Meigs was born on Saturday, May 19th, 1956 and Susan Elizabeth, was born on Saturday, July 6th, 1957.
Earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1927.
Served in the U.S. Navy during World War Two.
Ford was born Leslie Lynch King Jr., but his parents separated two weeks after his birth. His mother remarried when Ford was two, and his name was changed to that of his stepfather, Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. Ford did not know until he was seventeen years old that his stepfather was not his biological father.
Graduated from the University of Michigan and Yale University Law School.
He was an avid golfer.
Ford was left-handed only when sitting down. Although he signed all official documents with his left hand, he was photographed writing on a chalkboard and throwing a softball with his right hand, both while standing.
Portrayed on "Saturday Night Live" by Chevy Chase.
As of 14 July 2003 he was one of only four U.S. Presidents to live into his nineties. The other three were John Adams (1735-1826), Herbert Hoover (1874-1964), and Ronald Reagan .
August 2, 2000, he was admitted to hospital after suffering two mild strokes at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
May 18, 2003, he was admitted to hospital after suffering dizzy spells during a golf game he played in ninety-six degree Fahrenheit heat in Rancho Mirage, California.
Although Ford was not an All-American football player at the University of Michigan, his jersey number (48) was retired in a stadium ceremony 8 October 1994.
Ford was the only United States President who had been adopted as a child.
After the death of Ronald Reagan , he became the oldest living former President. Ronald Reagan s lifetime, in days alone, was 34,088 days, while Gerald Ford s lifetime, in days, alone was 34,133 days. Gerald Ford lived only 45 days more than Ronald Reagan.
Is the only person to date who has served as Vice President and President without having been elected to either office. He took each office after the respective resignations of Spiro Agnew and Richard Nixon.
He was a close friend of Jimmy Carter despite their quite different political ideologies and the fact Carter defeated him in the 1976 presidential election.
In Thomas P. Tip ONeill s memoir, "Man of the House", Ford confided to ONeill that he was considering running for President in 1980.
Was a member of the Warren Commission.
His wife, Betty Ford , suffered from alcoholism.
His wife, Betty Ford , founded The Betty Ford Clinic for alcohol & drug rehabilitation.
Hospitalized with shortness of breath in July 2006.
Father of Susan Ford and Steven Ford.
Held the record for having the most assassination attempts made on him while serving as President. Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme made an attempt on 5 September 1975 and Sara Jane Moore made another attempt on 22 September 1975. Ford escaped without injury both times.
He became the longest-living U.S. President, at 34,133 days, total. Ronald Reagan lived 34,088 days. Gerald Ford outlived Ronald Reagan , by only 45 days.
He was a close friend and golfing partner of Bob Hope.
Honorary chairman of the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame from its founding in 1994 until his death.
Made an appearance on the game show "Whats My Line?" in 1969 when he served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Pictured on a USA 41 memorial stamp issued on Saturday, August 31st, 2007.
In 1984, it was reported that he was the wealthiest living president, with a net worth between $6 million and $7 million.
As of 2008, he is the only President who has held that office and Vice President not only without being elected for either office, but without campaigning for them either. He ascended to those offices through the resignations of Spiro Agnew and Richard Nixon.
Was the last surviving member of the Warren Commission.
Co-owner of Conover Model Agency in 1939 with Harry Conover. He met Conover when they were both models at John Robert Powers agency. When Conover left Powers to start his own model agency, Ford was persuaded by Phyllis Brown to invest $1,000 in Conovers new venture and become his silent business partner. The Conover Model Agency became one of the countrys most successful model agencies, grossing millions a year.
Was a male model for John Robert Powers agency. Fords modeling career was brief and strictly part time. Highlights included his appearance in a 21-picture Stowe, Vermont ski resort feature in Look Magazine in 1940. Later, in his Navy uniform, he appeared on the cover of Cosmopolitan in 1942. Both times were with famed model Phyllis Brown.
(January 2006) Hospitalized with a severe case of pneumonia.
(April 2006) He and his wife were visited by President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush at their home in Rancho Mirage, California. This was the first time Ford had been seen in public since he was hospitalized with pneumonia in January.
Inducted into the University of Michigan Hall of Honor in 1978 (inaugural class).
Inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1977.
Inducted into the Grand Rapids [Michigan] Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.
Inducted into the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2001 in the category builder/inspiration.
The NCAA Presidents Gerald R. Ford Award has been presented annually since 2004 to "an individual who has provided significant leadership as an advocate for intercollegiate athletics on a continuous basis over the course of [his/her] career".
I know that you have not elected me as President with your votes, but I,ask that you confirm me with your prayers.
A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government,big enough to take from everything you have.
I am a Ford, not a Lincoln.
Surely we are not a revengeful people.
The acceptance of a pardon, according to the legal authorities - and we,have checked them out very carefully - does indicate that by the,acceptance, the person who has accepted it does, in effect, admit,guilt.
I can still remember the first time I ever heard Hubert Humphrey speak.
He was in the second hour of a five-minute talk.
[assuming the office of President, 1974] The oath that I have taken is,the same oath that was taken by George Washington and every president,under the Constitution. But I assume the presidency under extraordinary,circumstances never before experienced by Americans. This is an hour of,history that troubles our minds and hurts our hearts.
When a man is asked to make a speech the first thing he has to decide is what to say. .
