Gerald Rudolph Ford

Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr.

University of Michigan Football Player (1932 – 1934)
United States President (1974 – 1977)

Gerald Ford (born Leslie Lynch King Jr.) was born in Omaha, Nebraska and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he was a star athlete and football captain at Grand Rapids South High School. Ford went on to graduate from the University of Michigan where he played football as a center and linebacker helping the Wolverines to two undefeated seasons (1932, 1933) and was named MVP of the 1934 team. Ford went on to attend and graduate from Yale Law School where he was the boxing coach and an assistant football coach. At the beginning of World War II, Ford enlisted in the navy and received a commission as ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Ford received many awards for his service during World War II, including the American Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Following the War, Ford served in the U.S. House of Representatives for twelve two-year terms before serving as Vice President and then replacing Richard Nixon as President of the United States (1974 – 1977). Following his term as President, Ford served on numerous boards and committees as well as providing advice to future presidents. Gerald Ford was awarded the Lone Sailor Award by the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation in 1992, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999, the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor in 1978 and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1977. He passed away on December 26, 2006 at 93 years of age.