Gerald Ford Timeline

Richard Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, amid the Watergate scandal, making Gerald Ford the first unelected president in American history. In his swearing-in remarks, Ford declared that 'our long national nightmare is over.'

One month into his presidency, Ford granted Nixon a full pardon for any crimes he may have committed during the Watergate scandal. The controversial decision likely cost Ford politically but was later widely praised as an act of national healing.

Image source: Pardon of Richard Nixon

First Lady Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. Her openness about her diagnosis broke social taboos and encouraged thousands of women to seek breast cancer screenings.

During Ford's presidency, South Vietnam fell to North Vietnamese forces, ending the Vietnam War. Ford oversaw the evacuation of American personnel and Vietnamese refugees, marking a painful conclusion to America's longest war to that point.

Image source: Fall of Saigon

After Cambodian Khmer Rouge forces seized the American merchant ship SS Mayaguez, Ford ordered a military rescue operation. The crew was released, but 41 American servicemen died in the operation, which some viewed as a demonstration of American resolve after Vietnam.

Image source: Mayaguez incident

Ford signed the Helsinki Accords at a summit of 35 nations, committing signatories to respect human rights and territorial boundaries in Europe. Though criticized at the time, the accords' human rights provisions later empowered dissidents in Eastern Europe.

Image source: Helsinki Accords

In September 1975, Ford survived two assassination attempts just weeks apart. Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme pointed a gun at him in Sacramento, and Sara Jane Moore fired a shot at him in San Francisco. Both women were convicted and imprisoned.

Image source: Attempted assassination of Gerald Ford in San Francisco

Ford nominated John Paul Stevens to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by William O. Douglas's retirement. Stevens served over three decades on the Court, evolving into one of its most liberal members.

Image source: John Paul Stevens

Ford narrowly survived a primary challenge from Ronald Reagan, winning the Republican nomination at the contentious Kansas City convention. It was the last time a Republican nominee was decided at a contested convention.

Image source: 1976 Republican Party presidential primaries

Ford faced Democratic nominee Jimmy Carter in the first presidential debates since 1960. In the second debate, Ford famously erred by stating that Eastern Europe was not dominated by the Soviet Union, damaging his campaign.

Ford lost the 1976 election to Jimmy Carter by a narrow margin, receiving about 48% of the popular vote. Factors included the Nixon pardon, inflation, and his debate blunder. He remains the only person to serve as both Vice President and President without being elected to either office.

Image source: 1976 United States presidential election

Ford handed over the presidency to Jimmy Carter on January 20, 1977, delivering a gracious farewell address emphasizing bipartisanship and national unity after the turbulent Watergate era.

Ford published his autobiography, 'A Time to Heal,' in 1979, offering candid reflections on his presidency, the Nixon pardon, and his political career. The book became a bestseller.

Betty Ford, who had publicly battled alcoholism and prescription drug addiction, co-founded the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California, which became one of the most renowned addiction treatment facilities in the world.

Ford received the Congressional Gold Medal in 1998, recognizing his distinguished service to the nation as congressman, vice president, and president.

Image source: Congressional Gold Medal

President Bill Clinton awarded Ford the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 1999, honoring his decades of public service and his role in restoring trust in government after Watergate.

Image source: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In his later years, Ford collaborated with former rival Jimmy Carter on bipartisan initiatives and lectured frequently, modeling civility in politics and working with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Image source: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Gerald Ford died on December 26, 2006, at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, at age 93, making him the longest-lived president at that time. Tributes poured in praising his decency and steady leadership.

Image source: Death and state funeral of Gerald Ford

Ford received full state funeral honors, lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda and being eulogized by leaders including George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter. He was buried beside Betty Ford at his museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.