George McGovern: 1972 Democratic Presidential Nominee Dies at 90

George McGovern was an American politician. Born on July 19, 1922, in Avon, South Dakota, he flew 35 missions as a B-24 pilot in World War II and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.

He served in the U.S. House of Representatives and then in the Senate from 1963 to 1981. He was the Democratic nominee for president in 1972 and lost to Richard Nixon in a landslide. He later led the Food for Peace program and campaigned against hunger.

He was a leading opponent of the Vietnam War. McGovern died in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on October 21, 2012, at age 90.

Achievements: Democratic presidential nominee (1972), Presidential Medal of Freedom (2000).

Birth: July 19, 1922 - Avon, South Dakota.

Profession: Politician.

Interesting Facts: Sargent Shriver was his 1972 running mate.