He was born in Milton, Massachusetts, but grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut.
His parents came from wealthy Midwestern families.
He graduated from Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts in 1942 and enlisted in the Navy to fight in World War II.
On one occasion his plane was shot down and two crewmen died but he survived and was rescued by a passing submarine. he returned home in 1944.
In 1945, he married Barbara Pierce, they had sons George, John, Neil, and Marvin, and daughters, Robin and Dorothy. Robin died of leukemia at the age of three.
He entered Yale University in 1945, and majored in economics. He became captain of the varsity baseball team and graduated as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa in 1948.
He moved his family to Texas and with business connection from his father, he entered the oil business. In 1953 he cofounded Zapata Petroleum Corporation. He was a millionaire by the time he was
41.
In 1964, he ran for the US senate and lost but gained the attention of former vice president and US senator from California Richard M. Nixon who helped him win a seat in the House of
Representatives in 1966, and a reelection in 1968. After the two terms he gave up his seat to run for senate and lost again.
With the help of many politicians, he was able to stay in the public eye by working in various government positions until 1980, when he chose to run for president. he lost in the primaries to
Ronald Reagan but was later chosen as a running mate for vice president.
After serving two terms as vice president, he decided to run for president and won in 1988.
Presidential Facts
He became the only vice president to serve as acting president when Ronald reagan underwent surgery for three hours in 1985.
He formulated a plan to save the savings and loan industry when they faced severe financial problems.
he sent troops to Panama in December 1989, to assist the overthrowing of dictator Manuel Noriega.
Signed the Americans Disabilities Act of 1990, that prohibits discrimination against people with disablilities.
Launched the Persian Gulf War of 1990, which united international forces in driving Iraq out of Kuwait.
Proposed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1991, between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
