George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st president of the United States, began a distinguished military career in 1942. On his 18th birthday, June 12, 1942, President Bush both graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman 2nd Class. A year later, while still 18, he became the youngest pilot when he received his wings and commission.

President Bush, who was born in Milton, Massachusetts, flew torpedo bombers off the USS San Jacinto on active duty from August 1942 to September 1945 during World War II. On September 2, 1944, during a mission over the Pacific, Japanese anti-aircraft fire hit his plane. The Navy submarine, USS Finback, rescued him. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals for courageous service in the Pacific Theater.

On January 6, 1945, President Bush married Barbara Pierce of Rye, New York. Today, they are the parents of five children: George, John (Jeb), Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy Bush Koch. The Bushes, who are residents of Houston, Texas, have 17 grandchildren.

Following World War II, President Bush entered Yale University, where he pursued a degree in economics and served as captain of the varsity baseball team. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1948.

It was after his graduation when the Bushes moved to Texas and he embarked on a career in the oil industry.

President Bush has held numerous important leadership positions over the years. He served two terms as Representative to Congress from Texas, and served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, chairman of the Republican National Committee, chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China, and director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

In 1980, Ronald Reagan selected George H. W. Bush to be his running mate. President Bush was sworn in for the first of two terms as vice president of the United States on January 29, 1981.

He served as United States president from 1989 to 1993, facing a changing world with the passing of the Cold War. His greatest challenge came when Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, then threatened to move into Saudi Arabia. Vowing to free Kuwait, President Bush marshaled a 30-nation coalition and successfully opposed Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.