President Gerald Ford
By: Derek Preciado
Prsident Gerald Ford was born on July 14, 1913 in Omaha, Nebraska. Due to his football skills he received a scholarship to the University of Michigan. He was offered a contract by both the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers to play in the NFL. Although a star in the game of football Ford decided to turn the contracts down and go to Yale Law School. During World War II he received the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy. When he dealt with foreign affairs he made sure to maintain the power of the U.S after the collapse of both Cambodia and Viet Nam. Ford was officially inducted as the president on August 9, 1974. His reputation was based mainly on his integrity and openness during his years in Congress.In 1976 Ford was in the election for presidency once again, but lost to former governor Jimmy Carter. Ford briefly returned to politics in 1980 when he was asked to be vice president by Ronald Reagan. In 1999 President Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Citations
"Gerald Ford." The White House. US Government. 21 Nov 2007 <http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/alphabetical.html>