Bob Dole has proudly served his country for the better part of his life, first on the battlefield and then in Washington.
Born in Russell, Kansas, in 1923, Dole was attending the University of Kansas when World War II erupted. He immediately enlisted for duty and became a second lieutenant in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division. In April 1945, Dole was cut down by German machine gun fire, sustaining severe wounds to his right arm and back. Due to the ongoing conflict, he had to suffer nine more hours on the battlefield before being evacuated to the nearest hospital. Thankfully, he survived, but his right arm was left paralyzed. Dole received two Purple Hearts for his injuries, along with the Bronze Star for valor in trying to assist a fallen soldier. In later years, Dole would become famous for carrying a pen in his right hand to alert others he could only shake hands with his left.
And Dole would shake a lot of hands. He was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 1950, serving two years. At this same time, he also graduated from Washburn University law school in Topeka and began practicing law in his hometown in 1952.
Dole’s political career took another step forward in 1960 when he entered the United States House of Representatives, winning reelection three times. In 1968, Dole was elected to the Senate, and he’d hold the seat for the next 30 years.
Despite an unsuccessful presidential campaign in 1996, Dole remains a popular and respected public figure, earning legions of admirers for his character, courage, and surprising sense of humor.
Labels: Bob Dole, presidential candidate, senator
