George H. W. Bush
Official portrait of George H. W. Bush
Order 41st President of the United States
In office January 20, 1989 – January 20, 1993
Vice President Dan Quayle
Preceded by Ronald Reagan
Succeeded by Bill Clinton
Born June 12, 1924
Milton, Massachusetts, United States
Political Party Republican
Spouse Barbara Bush (m. 1945–2018)
Children George W., Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Dorothy, Robin (deceased)
Profession Diplomat, politician, businessman, naval aviator
Alma mater Yale University
Signature File:George H W Bush Signature.svg

George Herbert Walker Bush (June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018) was an American politician, diplomat, and businessman who served as the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. He also served as Vice President under Ronald Reagan and held numerous public offices before ascending to the presidency.

Early Life and Military Service

  • Born in Massachusetts and raised in Greenwich, Connecticut
  • Enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his 18th birthday and became one of the youngest naval aviators during World War II
  • Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in combat

Education and Career

  • Graduated from Yale University with a degree in economics
  • Moved to Texas and entered the oil business, becoming a successful businessman

Political Career

  • U.S. Representative from Texas (1967–1971)
  • Served as:
 - Ambassador to the United Nations
 - Chairman of the Republican National Committee
 - Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in China
 - Director of the CIA (1976–1977)

Presidency (1989–1993)

  • Oversaw the peaceful end of the **Cold War**
  • Led a successful coalition in the **Gulf War** (1990–1991) to repel Iraqi forces from Kuwait
  • Signed the **Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990**
  • Faced a sluggish economy and tax controversy after pledging “no new taxes”
  • Lost re-election in 1992 to Bill Clinton

Post-Presidency

  • Retired from politics but remained active in public service
  • Worked with former rival Bill Clinton on humanitarian efforts
  • Witnessed the presidency of his son, George W. Bush, from 2001 to 2009

Personal Life

  • Married Barbara Bush for 73 years until her death in 2018
  • Father of six children, including George W. Bush and Jeb Bush
  • Known for his modesty, diplomacy, and lifetime of public service

Death and Legacy

  • Died on November 30, 2018, at age 94
  • Remembered for his foreign policy leadership, integrity, and commitment to public duty
  • Buried at the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas

See Also