After his valorous World War II service and long recovery from wounds sustained, Bob Dole earned a law degree and set up practice in his hometown of Russell, Kansas. In 1960 he was elected to Congress launching one of the most impressive careers of public service in our nation’s history. He entered the Senate in 1968, and served as both minority and majority leader from 1987-1996. He was the Republican candidate for President in 1996. He was awarded the Presidental Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton and the Congressional Gold Medal, our nation’s highest award for a civilian, in recognition of his service to the nation as a soldier, legislator and statesman.
