The U.S. Congress has passed and sent to the president’s desk legislation that will promote former Kansas U.S. Sen. Bob Dole to the grade of colonel in the U.S. Army. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill.

“I’m glad Senator Bob Dole is one step closer to receiving the honorary military promotion he has earned during his lifetime of service to our great nation,” says Sen. Pat Roberts. “Sen. Dole is Kansas’ favorite son and an American hero.”

“I was so proud to see the House quickly recognize and pass this bill honoring our legendary Kansas senator, Bob Dole,” says Rep. Roger Marshall. "There is no one I can think of more deserving of this honorary promotion than our true Kansas hero, Senator Dole."

“From Senator Bob Dole’s time in the military and in Congress, to his continued leadership on veterans, hunger and disability issues, he is a true model of public service for Kansans and all Americans,” says Sen. Jerry Moran. “It is only fitting that Senator Dole be promoted for his exemplary service and sacrifice as an Army officer and I am so pleased that this resolution is headed to the president’s desk for signature.”

In January, Marshall introduced this bill in the House as a companion bill to the Senate legislation sponsored by Roberts and Moran. 

In 1942, while he was a student at the University of Kansas, Dole registered for the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps. He was called to active duty the following year and served in World War II. While deployed as an infantry lieutenant, he was severely wounded in combat and was twice cited for acts of heroism under fire.

Dole finished his military service with two Purple Hearts and two awards of the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for valor. He was also awarded the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Following his recovery from his war wounds, Dole completed his education with undergraduate and law degrees from Washburn University.

He then entered politics, serving in the Kansas state Legislature before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from the Kansas Big First in 1961. He served in the House for eight years, then ran for Senate and served there from 1969 to 1996. He was the Republican leader in the Senate from 1985 to 1996.

He was the Republican nominee for vice-president in 1976 and the Republican nominee for President in 1996.  

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