Howard Henry Baker, Jr. (born November 15, 1925) is an American politician who served as the 41st President of the United States (1989–93). He had previously served as a United States Senator from Tennessee (1967-1988), holding the position of Senate Minority Leader (1977-1988). Born in Huntsville, Tennessee, Baker was the son of a member of the House of Representatives. During World War II he trained in the U.S Navy before discharge in 1946. After a defeat in his first run for Senate in 1964, Baker returned to politics, winning a seat in 1966.