George Wallace

George Corley Wallace (August 25, 1919 – September 13, 1998) was an American politician who was elected Governor of Alabama (as a Democrat) four times (1962, 1970, 1974 and 1982) and ran for U.S. President (in 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1976). His first wife, Lurleen Wallace, was the first (and, as of 2005, only) woman to ever be elected as Governor of Alabama.

Education and military service

Born in Clio, Alabama, he became a regionally successful boxer in his high school days before moving on to law school in the late 1930s. After receiving his law degree in 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces, flying combat missions over Japan during World War II. Wallace rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the 58th Bomb Wing of the Twentieth Air Force. He served under General Curtis LeMay, who would be his running mate in the 1968 presidential race. While in service, Wallace nearly died from an attack of brain fever. Only prompt medical attention saved his life. The experience left him with partial hearing loss and nerve damage. He was discharged from the Air Force with a disability pension.

Related Topics:
Clio, Alabama - Boxer - High school - Law school - 1930s - 1942 - U.S. Army Air Forces - Combat - Japan - World War II - Twentieth Air Force - Curtis LeMay

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