Gerald R. Ford was the first vice president to assume the office of chief executive following the resignation of a president. Ford had served President Richard Nixon (1931-1994; see entry in volume 5) as vice president for a mere eight months. A quiet veteran of the national political scene and a former House minority leader (spokesperson for his party in the House of Representatives), Ford was not marked by the scandal that forced Nixon from office.

Sworn in as president in a swift White House ceremony on August 9, 1974, Ford quickly proved himself able. Though he suffered much criticism for granting a full presidential pardon (a release from punishment) to Nixon just a month after taking office, Ford restored honesty and dignity to the nation's highest office after the scandal-ridden Nixon administration.

Adopted son

Gerald Ford was born on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska, and named Leslie...