With support from the University of Richmond
History News Network

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

Roundup: Media's Take

Bush's Military Record: A Chronology

From the LAT (Feb. 15, 2004):

A look at Bush's military record

During the Vietnam War, George W. Bush was admitted to the Texas Guard and received a commission as a second lieutenant. Some important dates:

1968
January: While still at Yale, Bush completes Air Force officer qualification test in New Haven, Conn.

May: Texas Air National Guard Commander Col. Walter B. "Buck" Staudt meets with Bush, recommends him for a direct commission to second lieutenant and acceptance for pilot training. Bush joins the Guard on May 27 as an enlistee at Ellington Air Force Base, near Houston.

July 12: Federal Recognition Examining Board says Bush is qualified for promotion to second lieutenant with the 111th Fighter Interceptor Squadron.

July 14: Enters basic training in San Antonio, Texas.

August: Completes basic training.

September: Promoted to second lieutenant.

November: Undergoes pilot training at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.

December: Begins serving as a trainee with the 111th Squadron.

1970
January: Assigned flight duty as an F-102 fighter pilot with the 111th Squadron.

August: Three-member board recommends promotion to first lieutenant.

1971
Regularly attends drills and alerts at Ellington; begins working at a Houston agricultural company.

1972
January-April: Continues service in the Texas Air National Guard.

May 24: Requests permission to transfer to Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, so he can work in the Senate campaign of Winton "Red" Blount Jr. , a family friend. Texas unit does not approve transfer.

August: Fails to take required flight physical.

September: Suspended from flight status.

September: Requests and receives approval for a three-month transfer to 187th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Montgomery, Ala.

October: Is paid for two days service; it is not certain where he served.

November: Returns to his Texas unit at Ellington, serves four days.

1973
January: Serves six days; according to White House records, has a dental exam at Dannelly Field Air National Guard Base in Montgomery, Ala., on Jan. 6.

April-July: Serves 40 days, participating in nonflying drills. Last day for which he is paid is July 30.

September: Requests discharge from the Texas Air National Guard so he can attend Harvard Business School.

October: Receives honorable discharge eight months before the end of his enlistment.