GERALD RUDOLPH FORD, JR
1913 - 2006
Whitehouse.gov

From 1974 until 1977, Gerald Ford was the 38th president of the United States.

It is said that in his youth, Ford loved sports but was a bit clumsy.

Originally called Leslie Lynch King, Jr. he changed his name when his mother re-married.

In World War II, Gerald fought in the South Pacific.

When President Nixon's vice president Spiro T. Agnew had to resign, Gerald took his office. When the president himself resigned, Gerald became president without election.

Gerald Ford granted Nixon full pardon, which ticked some people off. He kept Nixon's staff as far as possible, including Henry A. Kissinger.

 

Two ladies tried to assassinate Gerald, but Gerald's Secret Service was on top of things both times.

First incident
On September 5, 1975, President Gerald Ford was walking from his hotel to the state capitol building in Sacramento, California, when Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme suddenly aimed a Colt .45 pistol at Ford. One of Ford's bodyguards, Secret Service Agent Larry Buendorf, grabbed the gun and disarmed her. Ford was rushed into the building.

Second incident
On September 22, 1975, President Gerald Ford leaves his hotel in San Francisco, California, when Sara Jane Moore fired a shot from her Smith & Wesson .38 revolver, narrowly missing Ford but striking a taxi driver in the crowd. Other spectators disarmed Moore and Ford was rushed into his car.
 

Check out Assassinations in History.
 

Gerald Ford was married to Elizabeth Anne Bloomer. They had four children.

Jimmy Carter became 39th president of the United States.

Check the US Election Map 1796 - 1968.

Check Governments in History Chart.