Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
U.S. Navy (USN) in the South Pacific during World War II
40th Vice President of the United States December 6, 1973–August 9, 1974
38th U.S. President of the United States August 9, 1974 – January 20, 1977

Background
Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. was born to parents Leslie Lynch King Jr. and Dorothy Ayer Gardner on July 14, 1913 as the only child of parents Dorothy Ayer Gardner and Leslie Lynch King Sr., in Omaha, Nebraska who divorced sixteen days after his birth. Afterwards, his mother and infant moved in with her sister in Oak Park, Illinois then moved in with her parents in Grand Rapids, MI. His parents divorced in December 1913 with his mother gaining full custody of their son. His paternal grandfather Charles Henry King paid child support until shortly before his death in 1930. After living with her parents for two and a half years, on February 1, 1917, Gardner married Gerald Rudolff Ford. Although never formerly adopted, her son took his name and was referred to as Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. and formerly changed his name December 3, 1935. Gerald grew up with his three half-brothers from the second marriage: Thomas G. Ford, Richard A. Ford ad James F. Ford.

He attended Grand Rapids South High School then enrolled in the University of Michigan class of 1934, where he played center, linebacker, and long snapper for the school's football team. Afterwards, coached then enrolled in the University of Michigan Law School. Ford graduated in the top third of his class in 1941, and was admitted to the Michigan bar shortly thereafter. In May 1941, he opened a Grand Rapids law practice with a friend, Philip W. Buchen.

Wartime History
After the United States entry into World War II, Ford enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve and was commissioned as an ensign on April 13, 1942. On April 20, he reported for active duty to the V-5 instructor school at Annapolis, Maryland. After one month of training, he went to Navy Preflight School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he was one of 83 instructors and taught elementary navigation skills, ordnance, gunnery, first aid, and military drill. In addition, he coached all nine sports that were offered, but mostly swimming, boxing, and football. During the year he was at the preflight school.

On June 2, 1942 promoted to the rank of Lieutenant (Junior Grade). During March 1943 promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. During May 1943 assigned to the pre-commissioning detachment for USS Monterey (CVL-26) being completed by New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey. After commissioning on June 17, 1943 Ford served as assistant navigator, athletic officer, and antiaircraft battery officer until the end of December 1944.

Postwar
Became the 40th Vice President of the United States under U.S. President Richard M. Nixon December 6, 1973 – August 9, 1974. When Nixon resigned in August 9, 1974, he became the 38th President of the United States (POTUS) August 9, 1974 – January 20, 1977.

Memorials
On December 26, 2006 passed away at age 93 in Rancho Mirage, CA. He is buried at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, MI.

References
Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) Lieutenant Commander Gerald R. Ford, USNR
The White House - Gerald R. Ford
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum - Naval Service of Gerald R. Ford in World War II
FindAGrave - Gerald Rudolph Ford (photo, grave photos)

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