Gerald R. Ford Jr.
After the resignation of Pres. Nixon, it was Gerald Ford who took his place. The 38th President of the United States was in office from 1974 to 1977. He was known for the Helsinki Accords, which tried to improve relations with the USSR in the middle of the Cold War. He also pardoned his predecessor. A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ford first pursued a law career, and this served as his gateway into politics. He ranks high on the list for the moral authority with which he led the nation through a terrible economic crisis. He also happens to be the only president and vice president who took on the roles without being elected into the positions.
Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Ford’s First Assassination Attempt
President Gerald Ford survived an assassination attempt on September 5, 1975. He had been walking through the crowd in Sacramento, California when he was shot at by Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme using a Colt M1911 pistol. Fortunately, the pistol failed to fire and no one was harmed – with the exception of Fromme herself as the Secret Service officers immediately jumped on her. The perpetrator was apparently a Charles Manson follower.
Fords First Assassination Attempt