Gerald Ford was born as Leslie Lynch King Jr. on 14 July, 1913 in Omaha, Nebraska. His parents split up within weeks of Gerald's birth, his mother later married Gerald Rudolff Ford, the young Gerald was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his three half-brothers. Ford was a star athlete, he helped the University of Michigan to two National titles in 1932 and 1933. He made the 1935 Collegiate All-Star football team, playing in an exhibition match against the Chicago Bears. Following his graduation in 1935 with a degree in economics and political science, he turned down contracts with the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers in order to take a coaching position at Yale and apply to its law school. He was admitted, graduated in 1941 and was admitted to the Michigan Bar and opened a law practice in Grand Rapids, however after the attack on Pearl harbour, he enlisted in the Navy. During World War II, he served aboard the USS Monterey seeing action in the Pacific. Returning to Grand Rapids in 1948, he resumed his law practice and married Betty Bloomer Warren and became involved in the Republican Party. He was persuaded to run for the House of Representatives against the incumbent Republican congressman Bartel J. Jonkman; Ford secured the nomination and went on to easily win the election. He served in the House of Representatives for twenty-five years; a tenure that was hard-working, modest and attentive. In 1963 he was appointed to the Warren Commission, investigating the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and in 1965 he led a movement against the Republican leadership in the House.
About the Author:
Russell Shortt is a travel consultant with Exploring Ireland, the leading specialists in customised, private escorted tours, escorted coach tours and independent self drive tours of Ireland. Article source Russell Shortt, http://www.exploringireland.net http://www.visitscotlandtours.com
