NNP

Ronald (Wilson) Reagan

Biography

Born in Tampico, Illinois. Graduate of Eureka (IL) College in 1932. He was a lifeguard 1927 to 1932 and is credited with saving 77 lives. Worked as a sports announcer at radio station WHO in Des Moines, Iowa, from 1932 to 1937. Employed as an actor 1937 to 1966. Married Jane Wyman (Sarah June Fulks) January 24, 1940, and divorced in 1948. They had a son and a daughter. Married Nancy Davis (Anne Francis Robbins) March 4, 1952. They also had a son and daughter.

He played the role of George Gipp in Knute Rockne - All American in 1940. Other notable films include Bedtime for Bonzo in 1951 and Hellcats of the Navy in 1957. He served as president of the Screen Actors Guild 1947 to 1952 and 1959 to 1960. He was the host of the TV series General Electric Theater and was a spokesman for General Electric in public appearances. He also hosted Death Valley Days.

Elected Governor of California in 1964. Elected President in 1980. On March 30, 1981, he survived an assassination attempt from John W. Hinckley Jr. Reagan was struck in the chest by a bullet that passed between the fender and open door of his limousine. He was reelected and completed his second term in 1989.

Reagan appears on a presidential medal (USM 142). Design was by Elizabeth Jones. The gold medal was presented to Reagan February 3, 1983.

bio:CB 1982; ConAut 85; IntWW 92-93; WW 93; WWA 94, 04