Bob Dole

Robert Joseph Dole (born July 22, 1923) is best known as a former Republican United States Senate Majority Leader and Senator from Kansas. He was also the unsuccessful Republican nominee for President in the 1996 election, losing to incumbent Bill Clinton.

World War II and Recovery

In 1942, Dole joined the Army's Enlisted Reserve Corps to fight in World War II. He became a second lieutenant in the Army's 10th Mountain Division.

Related Topics:
1942 - Army - World War II - Lieutenant

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In April of 1945, while Dole was fighting the German Nazi Army in the hills of Northern Italy, he was hit by Nazi machine gun fire in the upper right back and his right arm was so damaged that it was unrecognizable. He had to wait nine long hours on the Italian battlefield before he was finally taken to the Fifteenth Evacuation Hospital. He was eventually transferred to an U.S. Army hospital in Michigan, where he would begin his slow and painful recovery. When he first arrived in Michigan, the doctor's believed Dole had less than a 10% chance of surviving. However, through hard work, faith, and a little bit of luck, Dole managed to survive all the injuries and operations. The extensive wounds in his right arm though rendered his right-arm completely paralyzed. Today, Dole often carries a pen in his paralyzed arm.

Related Topics:
April - 1945 - German - Nazi - Army - Italy - Machine gun - Battlefield - Hospital - U.S. - Michigan - Paralyzed

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Dole was twice decorated for heroic achievement, receiving two Purple Hearts for his injuries, and the Bronze Star Medal for his attempt to assist a downed radio man.

Related Topics:
Purple Hearts - Bronze Star Medal

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