Who was Bob Dole? The life of a senator from Kansas, presidential hopeful and decorated veteran

Former Kansas lawmaker and decorated World War II veteran Bob Dole died on Sunday at the age of 98, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation announced.

Dole joined the U.S. Army in 1942, not long after the attacks on Pearl Harbor and America had entered World War II. His political career began in the 1960s, and he became a major force for the Republican Party for over three decades.

Dole spent time in the U.S. House of Representatives, broke the record as the Senate’s then-longest-serving Republican leader, chaired the Republican National Committee and ran for president three times.

Where is Bob Dole from?

Bob Dole was born on July 22, 1923 is Russell, Kansas, around 200 miles northwest of Wichita. He graduated from Russell High School in 1941.

That fall, Dole attended the University of Kansas, where he played college basketball for legendary coach Phog Allen. He was also part of the track and football team for a year before enlisting in the Army.

Obituary: Bob Dole, former GOP presidential candidate and longtime senator, dies at 98

Who was Bob Dole's family?

In June 1948, Dole married Phyllis Holden. They had a daughter, Robin, in 1954, before the couple divorced in 1972.

Dole married his second wife, Mary Elizabeth Alexander Hanford, in 1975. Elizabeth Dole went on to have a successful political career alongside her husband, serving as the secretary of Transportation under Ronald Reagan and briefly as secretary of Labor under George H. W. Bush. She was elected senator from North Carolina in 2002 and served one term. They had no children together.

What war did Bob Dole serve in?

Dole served in World War II and was sent to boot camp in Texas in June 1943. The following year, he was appointed a pool officer in the 24th Replacement Depot in Italy before entering the 85th Mountain Regiment, 10th Mountain Division in 1945.

From Kansas to Italy to DC: A timeline of Bob Dole's life: War hero, Republican leader, presidential candidate

Injuries in WWII and Purple Heart Awards

In March 1945, Dole was wounded in a battle in Italy, but that wasn't the only injury he endured during the war.

On April 14, 1945, Dole was severely hurt while trying to protect his troops from enemy fire; he was shot in the upper right of his back. He was in hospitals over the next three years, going through eight surgeries and fighting off two life-threatening infections. As a result of his injuries, he never regained use of his right arm. During his political career, would carry a pen in his right hand so people wouldn't shake it.

For his service, Dole was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star, which is given to those who displayed heroic efforts in war.

Bob Dole's U.S. political career

After serving as Russell County attorney for eight years, Dole was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1952 and served until 1969. During his time there, he voted for the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and the Age Discrimination Act.

In 1968, Dole was elected to the Senate, and was in office for 27 years, from 1969-96. Dole also served as the chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1971-73 and President Gerald Ford’s vice presidential running mate in the 1976 election.

He is known for pushing to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a national holiday, the Americans with Disabilities Act and “Megan’s Law,” which protects children from convicted sex offenders.

More: Bob Dole's constant pen in hand was reminder of war injury, advocacy for disability rights

Did Bob Dole run for president?

Dole announced in 1995 he was planning to run for president in 1996, and resigned from the Senate to run against President Bill Clinton. He became the GOP nominee for president in August 1996.

However, Dole was unsuccessful, as Clinton was elected to his second term. Dole had 40.7% of the popular vote with 159 electoral college votes, while Clinton won 49.2% of the popular vote and 379 electoral votes.

Post-political career achievements

Just days after Clinton was inaugurated again in 1997, Dole was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his military service and political career by Clinton. His alma mater later created the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the university.

In 2018, Dole received the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress' highest civilian honor, and in March 2019, was honorarily promoted to colonel in the U.S. Army.

Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who was Bob Dole? His service in WWII, political career and legacy