Lyndon Baines Johnson - Biography.

Lyndon Baines Johnson - Biography. 36th president of the United States Birth August 27, 1908 Death January 22, 1973 Home State Texas Party Democrat Terms In Office 1963-1965 1965-1969 Vice President Hubert Humphrey Significant Acts Signed the Civil Rights Act in 1964 outlawing racial discrimination. Proposed the 'Great Society,' a wide-ranging program that spurred reforms in education, medical care, housing, and voting rights. Sent combat troops to South Vietnam in 1965 and conducted a growing military action against Communist forces there. Forged agreements with the Soviet Union regarding the nonproliferation and use of nuclear weapons. Signed the Medical Care Act of 1965, which established the Medicare program to provide medical insurance to senior citizens. Career 1937-1948 Represented Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. 1941 Took leave of absence from Congress to serve in the naval reserves. 1942 Awarded the Silver Star. 1948-1961 Represented Texas in the U.S. Senate. 1951-1953 Served as Senate Democratic whip. 1953-1961 Served as Senate majority leader. 1961-1963 Vice president of the United States under John F. Kennedy. 1963-1969 President of the United States. Did You Know As Space Council chairman in 1961, Johnson advised President Kennedy that a manned moon landing was possible by 1966 or 1967. Johnson graduated from high school at the age of 15 and worked at odd jobs for two years before enrolling in college. At age 46, Johnson became the youngest Senate majority leader. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.