About
Robert Joseph Dole, born July 22, 1923 in Russell, Kansas, and died December 5, 2021 in Washington, D.C., was a major figure in American politics. Seriously wounded in Italy in 1945, he permanently lost the use of his right arm and was awarded two Purple Hearts. After earning a law degree from Washburn University, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1961-1969) and then in the U.S. Senate (1969-1996), where he became Republican leader. A candidate for vice president in 1976 and president in 1996, he is best known for his key role in the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and the McGovern-Dole program. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1997 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2018.
Key milestones
- 1945Seriously wounded in Italy during World War II, losing use of his right arm.
- 1990Played a key role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- 1996Republican presidential nominee, defeated by Bill Clinton.
Themes
Public serviceDisability rightsVeteransBipartisanshipPolitical leadership
Sources: senate.gov · dolearchives.ku.edu · bioguideretro.congress.gov