Legend George McGovern

Public Servant & American Hero | 1994 Inductee

George McGovern was born on July 19, 1922, in Avon, South Dakota, George went to college at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota. He met Eleanor there, and they had five children together. 

When World War II happened, George became a brave pilot, flying many missions and earning a special medal called the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, he taught history and politics back at Dakota Wesleyan University, but soon decided to join politics himself because he wanted to help farmers and people all over America.  

The people of South Dakota elected George to the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. George cared a great deal about world hunger and President John F. Kennedy asked him to help make sure people around the world had enough to eat. 

In 1972, George tried to become the U.S. President but didn't win. Still, he kept working to find ways for the world to live in peace, so children can have a safer and more secure future. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton for his good work. People still remember George for his kind heart and hard work to make the world better for everyone. 

Read about George’s military service

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Learn about how george earned the DISTINGUISHED Navy cross award

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Although he served honorably and bravely in the United States Army during World War II, he rarely spoke about his service.

State & National Leader

  • Elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives

  • Appointed by President John F. Kennedy as Director of the Food for Peace Program

  • Served as a United States Senator

Presidential Candidate

“I seek the presidency because I believe deeply in the American promise and can no longer accept the diminishing of that promise. ... I make one pledge above all others—to seek and speak the truth with all the resources of mind and spirit I command. ... I seek to call America home to those principles that gave us birth.”

1972 Democratic Presential Candidate
George McGovern

Get to Know George McGovern. Watch the videos below!

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Get to Know George McGovern. Watch the videos below! -

Remember George McGovern

The Oklahoma News Report Interview with George McGovern | September 7, 2012

George McGovern: Author & Co-Author

 

George McGovern Awards & Honors

 

Most Representative Senior Boy- 1940, Mitchell High School

Delegate to the United Nations- 1976 and 1978

Distinguished Flying Cross, Pilot, WWII- 1945 (Flew 35 Missions)

Presidential Medal of Freedom- Nation's Highest Civilian Award in 2000

Eleanor Roosevelt Peace Award- 1968

Author of 13 books and numerous articles for journals

Democratic Nominee for President- 1972

Guest Professor*

*University of Pacific, Univ. of Calif., Northwestern Univ., Duke Univ., Cornell Univ., Columbia Univ., Berlin Univ., Dublin Univ.

Presidential Medal of Freedom Awarded By President Clinton in 2000

“No matter what your career, always plan to give a portion of your time and money to the service of others.”

George McGovern gave over half a century of public service to our State and Nation.

Reflection:

 

George McGovern was a pilot during World War ll. 

  • What do you know about World War ll?

  • What leadership characteristics must George have had that allowed him to be a combat pilot during WW ll?

George was elected a United States Senator from South Dakota. He also ran for President of the United States.

  • Why do you think George was motivated to serve in the United States Government? 

Throughout his life, George McGovern cared about people. He worked for peace and to solve the world's hunger problems. He was given many awards and honors throughout his life. 

  • What leadership characteristics would you use to describe George?

Think about what you care about. 

  • How does George's story motivate you?