48th Governor of Indiana, US Military Figure. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as Indiana's Governor from 2003 to 2005. He enrolled at the University of Notre Dame, where he played collegiate baseball. Following graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and while on a reconnaissance mission, he was shot down which resulted in an eleven month period (partly) as a prisoner of war at the internment location known as the 'Hanoi Hilton.' From his war experience, he received two Purple Hearts, a Distinguished Flying Cross and a Navy Commendation Medal. Upon his release and return to the United States, he found a position with the Proctor and Gamble company. He initiated his lengthy political career in 1980, when he became South Bend Comptroller. From 1988 until 1997, he served as Mayor of South Bend, Indiana and from 1997 until 2003, he served as Lieutenant Governor of Indiana under Governor Frank O'Bannon. Following the sudden death of O'Bannon (2003), Kernan succeeded him as governor and completed the remainder of his predecessor's term. During his time at that capacity, Kernan restructured the executive cabinet and implemented changes to the state's prescription system which allowed for more affordable access for seniors. He was defeated in his bid for a full term in 2004, succeeded by Mitch Daniels. After leaving office, he served as an associate professor at the University Notre Dame, in addition to serving as president and managing director of the South Bend Silver Hawks baseball club (minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks).
48th Governor of Indiana, US Military Figure. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as Indiana's Governor from 2003 to 2005. He enrolled at the University of Notre Dame, where he played collegiate baseball. Following graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and while on a reconnaissance mission, he was shot down which resulted in an eleven month period (partly) as a prisoner of war at the internment location known as the 'Hanoi Hilton.' From his war experience, he received two Purple Hearts, a Distinguished Flying Cross and a Navy Commendation Medal. Upon his release and return to the United States, he found a position with the Proctor and Gamble company. He initiated his lengthy political career in 1980, when he became South Bend Comptroller. From 1988 until 1997, he served as Mayor of South Bend, Indiana and from 1997 until 2003, he served as Lieutenant Governor of Indiana under Governor Frank O'Bannon. Following the sudden death of O'Bannon (2003), Kernan succeeded him as governor and completed the remainder of his predecessor's term. During his time at that capacity, Kernan restructured the executive cabinet and implemented changes to the state's prescription system which allowed for more affordable access for seniors. He was defeated in his bid for a full term in 2004, succeeded by Mitch Daniels. After leaving office, he served as an associate professor at the University Notre Dame, in addition to serving as president and managing director of the South Bend Silver Hawks baseball club (minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks).
Bio by: C.S.
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