Lyndon Baines Johnson (August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973)
36th President of the United States November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969
Often referred to by his initials LBJ, Lyndon B Johnson was an American politician who served as the 36th president of the United States from 1963 to 1969. He had previously served as the 37th vice president from 1961 to 1963 under President John F. Kennedy and was sworn in shortly after Kennedy's assassination.
He was a native of Texas and a war hero. He was awarded a Silver Star for his service in the Navy during World War II.
He worked his way through Southwest Texas State Teachers College. He married Claudia “Lady Bird” Taylor in 1934. In 1937 he won a seat in the US House of Representatives and in 1948 he was elected to the US Senate.
He proposed “A Great Society” for the American people, and increased social funding through Medicare, Social Security, Conservation, and urban renewal. Despite this, the nation continued to struggle with discrimination and civil rights violence.
At this time the controversial war in Vietnam escalated and continued past his presidency. The draft and war created a great deal of controversy within American society. Peace talks were underway when he left office.
Also, during Johnson’s presidency, the United States made extraordinary advances in space exploration. In December 1968, three US astronauts successfully orbited the moon for the first time.
Lyndon Baines Johnson died suddenly of a heart attack on January 22, 1973.
International Star Registry was asked to name a star for the Lyndon B Johnson Space Center in 1996.
NASA Lyndon B Johnson Space Center
Ursa Minor RA 14h 14m 0.00s D 77° 12' 0.00"
May 29, 1996