George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, led a remarkable life filled with unique experiences both in and out of politics. From his service in World War II to his post-presidential work, here are 10 interesting facts about his life:
- Youngest Navy Aviator in World War II
George H. W. Bush enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his 18th birthday in 1942, becoming the youngest Navy pilot at the time. He flew 58 combat missions during World War II and survived being shot down over the Pacific Ocean in 1944 (“George H. W. Bush: Life Before the Presidency”). - A Distinguished Political Lineage
Bush came from a politically active family. His father, Prescott Bush, was a U.S. Senator from Connecticut, which inspired George’s own political career. His son, George W. Bush, later became the 43rd president of the United States, making them only the second father-son duo to hold the presidency after John Adams and John Quincy Adams (Smith 102-105). - Bush and the CIA
Before becoming vice president and president, Bush served as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1976 to 1977. During his time as CIA Director, he worked to restore morale in the agency, which had been tarnished by the Watergate scandal and various intelligence controversies (Gates 45). - First Sitting Vice President Elected President Since Martin Van Buren
In 1988, Bush became the first sitting vice president to be elected president since Martin Van Buren in 1836. Prior to his election, Bush served as vice president under Ronald Reagan for two terms, from 1981 to 1989 (“George H. W. Bush”). - Advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
One of Bush’s most significant legislative achievements as president was the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. The law prohibits discrimination based on disability, marking a major civil rights milestone in the United States (Wolfe 214). - “Read My Lips” Pledge
During his 1988 presidential campaign, Bush famously declared, “Read my lips: no new taxes.” However, during his presidency, he was forced to raise taxes in an attempt to reduce the federal budget deficit. This decision is often credited with contributing to his loss in the 1992 election (Meacham 317). - Skydiving at 90 Years Old
Bush celebrated his 90th birthday in a bold way—by skydiving! It wasn’t his first jump either. He made his first parachute jump during World War II after his plane was shot down and later took up recreational skydiving in his 70s and 80s (“George H.W. Bush Marks 90th Birthday by Skydiving”). - Fascination with Socks
In his later years, Bush became known for his colorful and whimsical socks. Whether attending formal events or making public appearances, he was often photographed wearing socks with playful patterns. He even wore a pair of socks featuring the presidential seal to his last public appearance (Clark). - A Lifetime of Philanthropy
After leaving office, Bush dedicated much of his time to charitable causes. He collaborated with former President Bill Clinton to lead relief efforts for natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 (Meacham 456-457). - Longest Living President
George H. W. Bush lived to be 94 years and 171 days old, making him the longest-living president in U.S. history at the time of his death in 2018. He surpassed Gerald Ford, who previously held the record (McFadden).
Works Cited
Clark, Amy. “George H.W. Bush and His Love of Socks.” CBS News, 30 Nov. 2018, www.cbsnews.com/news/george-hw-bush-and-his-love-of-socks/.
Gates, Robert M. From the Shadows: The Ultimate Insider’s Story of Five Presidents and How They Won the Cold War. Simon & Schuster, 2006.
“George H. W. Bush: Life Before the Presidency.” Miller Center, University of Virginia, millercenter.org/president/bush/life-before-the-presidency.
“George H. W. Bush Marks 90th Birthday by Skydiving.” BBC News, 12 June 2014, www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-27819065.
Meacham, Jon. Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush. Random House, 2015.
McFadden, Robert D. “George Bush, 41st President, Dies at 94.” The New York Times, 30 Nov. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/11/30/us/politics/george-hw-bush-dies.html.
Smith, Jean Edward. George Bush’s War. Henry Holt and Co., 1992.
Wolfe, Barbara. The Americans with Disabilities Act: Ten Years Later. Brookings Institution Press, 2000.
