Gerald Ford served as the 38th President of the United States from 1974 to 1977. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1913 and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he played football at the University of Michigan and served in the Navy in World War II.
A Republican and longtime House minority leader, Ford was appointed vice president in 1973 and became president when Richard Nixon resigned.
Key Moments
A month into his term he granted Nixon a full pardon, a controversial choice. He signed the Helsinki Accords in 1975 and dealt with high inflation. He narrowly lost the 1976 election to Jimmy Carter.
Did You Know
Ford is the only person to serve as both vice president and president without being elected to either office. He survived two assassination attempts in 1975.
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