George H.W. Bush Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research
5 minute read
Updated 3:57 PM EDT, Tue May 25, 2021
President George H.W. Bush attends the Republican National Convention in Houston in 1992. Bush dedicated his life to serving others and held many different roles in government, the highest being President.
President George H.W. Bush attends the Republican National Convention in Houston in 1992. Bush dedicated his life to serving others and held many different roles in government, the highest being President.
Greg Smith/Corbis/Getty Images
Bush is pictured with his sister, Mercy, in 1929. He was born June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts. Their father, Prescott Bush, was a successful Wall Street banker who became a US senator in 1952.
Bush is pictured with his sister, Mercy, in 1929. He was born June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts. Their father, Prescott Bush, was a successful Wall Street banker who became a US senator in 1952.
AFP/Getty Images
Bush sits in his VT-51 Avenger in 1945. Two years earlier, he became the youngest pilot in the US Navy. He flew 58 combat missions in World War II and was awarded three Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Bush sits in his VT-51 Avenger in 1945. Two years earlier, he became the youngest pilot in the US Navy. He flew 58 combat missions in World War II and was awarded three Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
MPI/Getty Images
After the war, Bush attended Yale University and played baseball there from 1945 to 1948. He was team captain.
After the war, Bush attended Yale University and played baseball there from 1945 to 1948. He was team captain.
George Bush Presidential Library/Getty Images
Before he entered politics, Bush made a fortune drilling for oil in Texas. He created the Zapata Offshore Co., which introduced a new era in the drilling industry.
Before he entered politics, Bush made a fortune drilling for oil in Texas. He created the Zapata Offshore Co., which introduced a new era in the drilling industry.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Bush is pictured with his wife, Barbara, during his first campaign for Congress. He represented Texas' 7th District from 1967 to 1971, and he was appointed to the powerful tax-writing Ways and Means Committee.
Bush is pictured with his wife, Barbara, during his first campaign for Congress. He represented Texas' 7th District from 1967 to 1971, and he was appointed to the powerful tax-writing Ways and Means Committee.
AFP/Getty Images
Bush represents the United States at the United Nations in 1971. He served as US Ambassador from that year until 1973.
Bush represents the United States at the United Nations in 1971. He served as US Ambassador from that year until 1973.
Bettmann/Getty Images
Bush sits with members of his family in 1971. He met his wife at a country club dance in 1941, and they were married in 1945. They had six children.
Bush sits with members of his family in 1971. He met his wife at a country club dance in 1941, and they were married in 1945. They had six children.
Leonard Mccombe/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Under President Gerald Ford, Bush served as the chief liaison to China in 1975. Here, Bush greets well-wishers in Beijing.
Under President Gerald Ford, Bush served as the chief liaison to China in 1975. Here, Bush greets well-wishers in Beijing.
AP
Ford meets with Bush in December 1975 to talk to about Bush taking over as director of Central Intelligence.
Ford meets with Bush in December 1975 to talk to about Bush taking over as director of Central Intelligence.
David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images
The Bushes stand with Republican presidential nominee Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, in 1980. Bush lost to Reagan in the primaries but became his running mate.
The Bushes stand with Republican presidential nominee Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, in 1980. Bush lost to Reagan in the primaries but became his running mate.
Bettmann/Getty Images
Bush and House Speaker Tip O'Neill listen to Reagan deliver his second State of the Union address in 1983.
Bush and House Speaker Tip O'Neill listen to Reagan deliver his second State of the Union address in 1983.
David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images
Reagan shakes hands with Bush in 1988. Bush served as Reagan's vice president from 1981 to 1989, and he would succeed him as President.
Reagan shakes hands with Bush in 1988. Bush served as Reagan's vice president from 1981 to 1989, and he would succeed him as President.
Luke Frazza/AFP/Getty Images
The Bushes pose for a 1986 photo in Kennebunkport, Maine.
The Bushes pose for a 1986 photo in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Jean-Louis Atlan/Sygma/Getty Images
The Reagans and the Bushes join hands after President Reagan endorsed Bush's presidential run at a dinner in 1988.
The Reagans and the Bushes join hands after President Reagan endorsed Bush's presidential run at a dinner in 1988.
George Bush Presidential Library/HO/REUTERS
Bush poses for a photo with real estate mogul and future President Donald Trump during a campaign event in 1988.
Bush poses for a photo with real estate mogul and future President Donald Trump during a campaign event in 1988.
Cynthia Johnson/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images
Bush debates Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis in 1988.
Bush debates Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis in 1988.
Cynthia Johnson/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images
Bush joins supporters in Houston after learning he had defeated Dukakis in the presidential election.
Bush joins supporters in Houston after learning he had defeated Dukakis in the presidential election.
Bettmann/Getty Images
Shortly after winning the election, Bush casts a line while surf fishing in Gulf Stream, Florida.
Shortly after winning the election, Bush casts a line while surf fishing in Gulf Stream, Florida.
Kathy Willens/AP
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev takes in the New York skyline with Reagan and Bush in 1988.
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev takes in the New York skyline with Reagan and Bush in 1988.
Dirck Halstead/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images
Bush was sworn into office as the 41st president of the United States on January 20, 1989. First lady Barbara Bush holds the Bible for her husband while Chief Justice William Rehnquist administers the oath of office.
Bush was sworn into office as the 41st president of the United States on January 20, 1989. First lady Barbara Bush holds the Bible for her husband while Chief Justice William Rehnquist administers the oath of office.
Bob Daugherty/AP
President Bush delivers his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on January 31, 1990.
President Bush delivers his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on January 31, 1990.
Mark Reinstein/Corbis/Getty Images
Bush holds up a plastic bag with crack cocaine during a televised speech about drugs in 1989. Weeks later it was revealed that government agents had bought the drugs from a dealer in front of the White House for the purpose of Bush's speech.
Bush holds up a plastic bag with crack cocaine during a televised speech about drugs in 1989. Weeks later it was revealed that government agents had bought the drugs from a dealer in front of the White House for the purpose of Bush's speech.
Diana Walker/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
Bush hosted Nelson Mandela, South Africa's anti-apartheid leader and future president, at the White House in June 1990.
Bush hosted Nelson Mandela, South Africa's anti-apartheid leader and future president, at the White House in June 1990.
Kevin Larkin/AFP/Getty Images
Bush and the first lady wave goodbye to US Marines and British troops after a Thanksgiving Day visit to Saudi Arabia in 1990.
Bush and the first lady wave goodbye to US Marines and British troops after a Thanksgiving Day visit to Saudi Arabia in 1990.
RICK WILKING/REUTERS
Bush and Colin Powell, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speak on separate phones in February 1991 while Joint Chiefs John Sununu, Robert Gates and Brent Scowcroft listen to a conversation about halting the Gulf War.
Bush and Colin Powell, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speak on separate phones in February 1991 while Joint Chiefs John Sununu, Robert Gates and Brent Scowcroft listen to a conversation about halting the Gulf War.
David Valdez/White House/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Bush, at his vacation home in Kennebunkport, meets with Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas in 1991. Bush also appointed Justice David Souter in 1990.
Bush, at his vacation home in Kennebunkport, meets with Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas in 1991. Bush also appointed Justice David Souter in 1990.
David Valdez/White House/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Bush plays golf with tennis player Andre Agassi in 1991.
Bush plays golf with tennis player Andre Agassi in 1991.
Jeffrey Markowitz/Sygma/Getty Images
Bush and Gorbachev shake hands at the end of a news conference in Moscow in July 1991.
Bush and Gorbachev shake hands at the end of a news conference in Moscow in July 1991.
RICK WILKING/REUTERS
From left, Presidents Bush, Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon stand together at the dedication of the Ronald Reagan Library in 1991. It was the first time five presidents gathered in one place.
From left, Presidents Bush, Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon stand together at the dedication of the Ronald Reagan Library in 1991. It was the first time five presidents gathered in one place.
David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images
Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle join hands at the 1992 Republican National Convention in Houston. They are joined by their wives, Marilyn Quayle and Barbara Bush.
Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle join hands at the 1992 Republican National Convention in Houston. They are joined by their wives, Marilyn Quayle and Barbara Bush.
Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images
Bush checks his watch during a 1992 presidential debate with Ross Perot, right, and Bill Clinton. The memorable moment was interpreted as the President being out of touch.
Bush checks his watch during a 1992 presidential debate with Ross Perot, right, and Bill Clinton. The memorable moment was interpreted as the President being out of touch.
Ron Edmonds/AP
Bush takes a last look around the Oval Office with his dog, Ranger, before vacating the White House for Bill Clinton.
Bush takes a last look around the Oval Office with his dog, Ranger, before vacating the White House for Bill Clinton.
David Valdez/White House/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Bush's eldest son, George Walker Bush, was elected President in 2000. They became the second father-son duo in history to hold the office (the first being John Adams and John Quincy Adams). The two Georges hug here moments after the youngest was sworn in on January 20, 2001.
Bush's eldest son, George Walker Bush, was elected President in 2000. They became the second father-son duo in history to hold the office (the first being John Adams and John Quincy Adams). The two Georges hug here moments after the youngest was sworn in on January 20, 2001.
Luke Frazza/AFP/Getty Images
With his father by his side, President George W. Bush sits at his desk in the Oval Office for the first time on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2001.
With his father by his side, President George W. Bush sits at his desk in the Oval Office for the first time on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2001.
Eric Draper/White House/Reuters
Bush rides a Segway at his home in Kennebunkport, Maine, in 2003.
Bush rides a Segway at his home in Kennebunkport, Maine, in 2003.
Charles Ommanney/Getty Images
Celebrating his 80th birthday in 2004, Bush performs one of two skydiving jumps he completed with the Army Golden Knights.
Celebrating his 80th birthday in 2004, Bush performs one of two skydiving jumps he completed with the Army Golden Knights.
U.S. Army/Texas A&M University/Getty Images
In 2005, President George W. Bush appointed his father and Bill Clinton to lead fundraising efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
In 2005, President George W. Bush appointed his father and Bill Clinton to lead fundraising efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Ron Sachs/Pool/Getty Images
Bush arrives on the South Lawn of the White House in 2008.
Bush arrives on the South Lawn of the White House in 2008.
Lawrence Jackson/AP
President Barack Obama presents Bush with the Medal of Freedom in February 2011. "His life is a testament that public service is a noble calling. ... His humility and his decency reflects the very best of the American spirit," Obama said.
President Barack Obama presents Bush with the Medal of Freedom in February 2011. "His life is a testament that public service is a noble calling. ... His humility and his decency reflects the very best of the American spirit," Obama said.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Barbara Bush kisses her husband as they arrive for the 2012 premiere of a documentary about his life.
Barbara Bush kisses her husband as they arrive for the 2012 premiere of a documentary about his life.
Charles Krupa/AP
Bush, in the wheelchair, arrives for the dedication of his son's presidential library in Dallas in 2013. Joining him, from left, are President Barack Obama and former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.
Bush, in the wheelchair, arrives for the dedication of his son's presidential library in Dallas in 2013. Joining him, from left, are President Barack Obama and former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.
David J. Phillip/AP
Bush holds up his wife's hand at a Republican presidential debate in 2016. One of their sons, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, was among the candidates in the debate.
Bush holds up his wife's hand at a Republican presidential debate in 2016. One of their sons, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, was among the candidates in the debate.
Bob Levey/Telemundo/Getty Images
The Bushes participate in the ceremonial coin toss before the Super Bowl in 2017.
The Bushes participate in the ceremonial coin toss before the Super Bowl in 2017.
Adrees Latif/Reuters/Newscom
Bush was admitted to a hospital in April 2017 for an acute respiratory problem stemming from pneumonia. This photo of him and his son George was posted to Twitter. "Big morale boost from a high level delegation. No father has ever been more blessed, or prouder," the elder Bush wrote about the photo.
Bush was admitted to a hospital in April 2017 for an acute respiratory problem stemming from pneumonia. This photo of him and his son George was posted to Twitter. "Big morale boost from a high level delegation. No father has ever been more blessed, or prouder," the elder Bush wrote about the photo.
George H.W. Bush/Twitter
Bush joins former presidents and first ladies at the funeral ceremony for his wife in April 2018. Behind Bush, from left, are Laura Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and current first lady Melania Trump.
Bush joins former presidents and first ladies at the funeral ceremony for his wife in April 2018. Behind Bush, from left, are Laura Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and current first lady Melania Trump.
Paul Morse/Office of George H.W. Bush/AP
Bush is seen in the car after a stay in the hospital. His son Jeb tweeted the photo in May 2018, saying, "My beloved dad is in Maine." Bush had been admitted to the hospital after contracting an infection that spread to his blood, a family spokesman said.
Bush is seen in the car after a stay in the hospital. His son Jeb tweeted the photo in May 2018, saying, "My beloved dad is in Maine." Bush had been admitted to the hospital after contracting an infection that spread to his blood, a family spokesman said.
Jeb Bush/Twitter
President George H.W. Bush's life in pictures
CNN  — 

Here’s a look at the life of George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States.

Personal:
Birth date: June 12, 1924

Death date: November 30, 2018

Birth place: Milton, Massachusetts

Birth name: George Herbert Walker Bush

Father: Prescott Bush, investment banker and senator

Mother: Dorothy (Walker) Bush

Marriage: Barbara (Pierce) Bush (January 6, 1945-April 17, 2018, her death)

Children: Dorothy, Marvin, Neil, John (Jeb), Pauline (Robin), died of leukemia and George

Education: Yale University, B.A., 1948

Military service: US Navy, 1942-1945, Lieutenant Junior Grade

Religion: Episcopalian

Other Facts:
Bush was the first sitting vice president to be elected president since Martin van Buren in 1836.

He was the second president, after John Adams, to be the father of a president.

Flew 58 combat missions for the Navy during World War II and was awarded three Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Had a form of Parkinson’s disease.

His nickname since childhood was Poppy, and that’s how he was known at Yale, especially as a baseball player.

Timeline:
June 1943 - After earning his commission and wings, becomes the youngest pilot in the Navy at the time.

Late 1940s - Captain of the Yale University baseball team and plays in the first two College World Series in 1947 and 1948.

1951 - Establishes the Bush-Overbey Oil Development Company with John Overbey.

1953 - Forms Zapata Petroleum with William and Hugh Liedtke.

1964 - Runs unsuccessfully for the US Senate.

1967-1971 - US Representative from Texas’ 7th District.

1971-1972 - Ambassador to the United Nations.

1973-1974 - Chairman of the Republican National Committee.

1974-1975 - Serves as chief of the United States Liaison Office in China.

January 1976-January 1977 - Director of the CIA.

1980 - Runs for president, but loses his party’s nomination to Ronald Reagan.

January 20, 1981 - Is sworn in as vice president of the United States.

July 13, 1985 - Acting president for nearly eight hours while Reagan undergoes surgery.

November 8, 1988 - Is elected 41st president of the United States, with 53.1% of the popular vote and 426 electoral votes.

January 20, 1989 - Bush is sworn in as the 41st president of the United States.

December 1989 - Sends American troops to Panama (Operation Just Cause).

August 2, 1990 - Iraq invades Kuwait.

August 7, 1990 - Operation Desert Shield begins.

January 16, 1991 - Operation Desert Storm begins.

February 27, 1991 - Declares victory in Iraq.

November 3, 1992 - Loses the presidential election to Bill Clinton.

December 24, 1992 - Pardons six government officials who had been implicated in the Iran-Contra affair.

January 3, 1993 - Signs the second Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START-II) with Russia.

June 9, 1999 - Celebrates his 75th birthday by skydiving .

February 19-21, 2005 - Tours areas in southeast Asia damaged by a tsunami, with Clinton.

September 1, 2005 - After Hurricane Katrina, Bush and Clinton form the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund.

January 10, 2009 - The USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier is commissioned.

February 15, 2011 - Receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

January 14, 2013 - Is released from the hospital after almost two months of treatment for bronchitis.

July 2013 - Shaves his head in solidarity with a leukemia patient, the son of a member of his Secret Service detail.

2013 - Attends the same-sex wedding of Bonnie Clement and Helen Thorgalsen in Kennebunkport, Maine, and signs their marriage license as a witness.

November 2013 - The National College Baseball Foundation announces its Hall of Fame museum will be named after the 41st president.

May 2014 - Receives the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation Profiles in Courage Award.

June 12, 2014 - Celebrates his 90th birthday with a parachute jump as he did for his 75th, 80th and 85th birthdays.

November 11, 2014 - The biography “41: A Portrait of My Father,” written by George W. Bush, is released during a special ceremony and discussion session at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University in College Station.

July 15, 2015 - Falls at his home in Kennebunkport, Maine, breaking his C2 vertebrae in his neck. His spokesman, Jim McGrath, tells CNN the injury is not life threatening.

January 14, 2017 - Is hospitalized due to “an acute respiratory problem stemming from pneumonia.” Barbara Bush is admitted to the hospital four days later after “experiencing fatigue and coughing.”

January 30, 2017 - Is released from the hospital.

February 5, 2017 - Performs the coin toss at Super Bowl 51 in Houston.

April 19, 2017 - In a statement, McGrath says that Bush was recently readmitted to the hospital for pneumonia. According to McGrath, Bush is going to remain at the hospital for at least one more night, but he is in good spirits and is on the mend.

October 24, 2017 - In a now-deleted Instagram post published on her verified account, actress Heather Lind alleges that Bush touched her inappropriately while he was sitting in his wheelchair during a photo op that took place a few years ago. Bush’s spokesman McGrath later issues a statement: “At age 93, President Bush has been confined to a wheelchair for roughly five years, so his arm falls on the lower waist of people with whom he takes pictures,” McGrath says. “To try to put people at ease, the president routinely tells the same joke — and on occasion, he has patted women’s rears in what he intended to be a good-natured manner. Some have seen it as innocent; others clearly view it as inappropriate. To anyone he has offended, President Bush apologizes most sincerely.”

October-November 2017 - At least six other women allege they were also touched inappropriately during photo ops with the former president.

April 22, 2018 - Is admitted to the Houston Methodist Hospital after contracting an infection that spread to his blood, family spokesman McGrath says, a day after a funeral was held for his wife, Barbara. The former president is released from the hospital on May 4.

May 27, 2018 - Is taken to a hospital in Maine after experiencing low blood pressure and fatigue. According to spokesman McGrath, Bush will likely remain at a Southern Maine Health Care facility “for a few days for observation.”

November 30, 2018 - Dies at the age of 94.