George Herbert Walker Bush (born June 12, 1924) is an
American politician who served as the
41st President of the United States (1989–93), and the
43rd Vice President of the United States (1981–89). A
Republican, he previously served as a
congressman, an ambassador, and
Director of Central Intelligence. He is the oldest living former President and Vice President. He is also the last living former President who is a veteran of
World War II. Bush is often referred to as "George H. W. Bush", "Bush 41", "Bush the Elder", or "George Bush Sr." to distinguish him from his son, former President
George W. Bush. Prior to his son's presidency, he was known simply as George Bush or President Bush.