George Herbert Walker Bush (born June 12, 1924) is an American politician who served as the 41st President of the United States (1989"1993). A Republican, he had previously served as the 43rd Vice President of the United States (1981"1989), a congressman, an ambassador, and Director of Central Intelligence. He is the oldest former President and Vice President, and the last 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", and "George Bush, Sr." to distinguish him from his son, former President George W. Bush.