Bob Dole, the Republican senator and former presidential candidate who survived a grievous combat wound in World War II to personify the grit and dedication of the “Greatest Generation” in politics and in life, has died.
He was 98 years old.
“It is with heavy hearts we announce that Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep,” the Elizabeth Dole Foundation announced on Twitter. “At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years.”
It is with heavy hearts we announce that Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep. At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years. More information coming soon. #RememberingBobDole pic.twitter.com/57NtGfqtmL
— Elizabeth Dole Foundation (@DoleFoundation) December 5, 2021
In February, Dole revealed that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and said he was starting treatment, according to NBC.
The Republican from Kansas served in the Senate from 1969 through 1996. He was the GOP’s candidate for the presidency in 1996, losing to then-President Bill Clinton.
In 1976, Dole was then-President Gerald Ford’s vice-presidential running when Ford lost to Democrat Jimmy Carter.
Bob Dole was the type of man who at 96, unable to walk and struggling badly with his health, wanted to be held up so he could salute the casket of a fellow WWII veteran and former president pic.twitter.com/udvVDSYg17
— Sunny McSunnyface (@sunnyright) December 5, 2021
In January 2018, he received a Congressional Gold Medal.
“I want to thank all those who’ve said such kind words about me,” Dole said at the time according to NBC, joking, “They’re probably not true, but they were nice.”
Dole was badly wounded in combat in Italy in 1945, leaving him with limited function in his left arm and none in his right.
RIP Bob Dole (1923-2021), an elder statesman and an American hero. ???
He lived a life of service, patriotism and honor we should all aspire to emulate. pic.twitter.com/Wa9fWdlBtb
— Reaganite ?????? (@emperoreagan) December 5, 2021
Dole led the campaign to raise the $170 million for the World War II Memorial that opened in 2004 in Washington.
In 2018, even when using a wheelchair, Dole greeted each veteran coming to the memorial.
“It’s just about the one public service left that I’m doing,” Dole said then, according to The Washington Post.
“We don’t have many of the World War II vets left. It’s important to me.”
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