BIOGRAPHY OF PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90-00552R000505360001-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 24, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Content Type: OPEN SOURCE

STAT Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/08/24: CIA-RDP90-00552R000505360001-3
BIOGRAPHY OF PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
Ronald Wilson Reagan was born February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois, the son of Nellie
Wilson Reagan and John Reagan. He was educated in Illinois public schools and was
graduated from Eureka College (Illinois) in 1932, with a degree in economics and sociology.
Following a brief career as a sports broadcaster and editor, Mr. Reagan moved to California
to work in motion pictures. His film career, interrupted by three years of service in the Army
Air Corps.during World War II, encompassed 50 feature-length motion pictures. He served
six terms as president of the Screen Actors Guild and two terms as president of the Motion
Picture Industry Council.
In 1952 he married Nancy Davis. They have two grown children, Patricia Ann and Ronald
Prescott. President Reagan has two other children, Maureen and Michael, by a previous
marriage.
From motion pictures he went into television in the 1950's as production supervisor and host
of "General Electric Theatre." In 1964-65 he was host of the television series "Death Valley
Days
In 1966 Ronald Reagan began his public service career with his election-by nearly a million-
vote margin-as Governor of California. Mr. Reagan was Chairman of the Republican
Governors Association in 1969. He was elected to a second term as Governor of California
in 1970. After completing his second term, Mr. Reagan began a nationally syndicated radio
commentary program and newspaper column and undertook an extensive speaking
schedule, speaking to civic, business, and political groups. In 1974-75 he served as a member
of the Presidential Commission investigating the CIA.
In November 1975 he announced his candidacy for the 1976 presidential nomination. He lost
narrowly, but campaigned vigorously for the Republican ticket and for scores of local can-
didates in 1976. After the election, he renewed his radio commentary program, newspaper
column, and national speaking schedule. He became a member of the Board of Directors of
the Committee on the Present Danger and founded the Citizens for the Republic. In the 1978
elections he campaigned on behalf of 86 candidates.
In November 1979 Ronald Reagan announced his candidacy for the 1980 presidential
nomination. At the Republican National Convention in July 1980 he was nominated
unanimously on the first ballot. On November 4, 1980, Ronald Reagan was elected to the
Presidency, by an electoral vote of 489-49, and on January 20, 1981, he was sworn in as the
40th President of the United States.
Mr. Reagan has received a number of awards, including: National Humanitarian Award
from the National Conference of Christians and Jews; City of Hope "Torch of Life" Award
for Humanitarian Service; Horatio Alger Award; American Newspaper Guild Award;
Freedoms Foundation Awards; Distinguished American Award from the National Football
Foundation Hall of Fame; American Patriots.Hall of Fame; and Medal of Valor of the State
of Israel.
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/08/24: CIA-RDP90-00552R000505360001-3