George Pratt Shultz was born on December 13, 1920 in New York City. He grew up in Englewood, New Jersey, where he attended the prestigious Loomis Chaffee School. Shultz went on to study economics at Princeton University, graduating in 1942. He then served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, where he earned a Purple Heart.
After the war, Shultz continued his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a Ph.D. in economics in 1949. He then became a professor of economics at MIT, before moving on to the University of Chicago. His academic work laid the foundation for his future success in the public and private sectors.
In 1969, Shultz was appointed as the United States Secretary of Labor under President Richard Nixon. He went on to serve as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget in 1970, before being appointed as the Secretary of the Treasury in 1972. Shultz's expertise in economics and his keen understanding of policy issues made him a valuable asset to the Nixon administration.
Shultz was married twice in his lifetime. He first married Helena O'Brien in 1946, with whom he had five children. After her death in 1995, Shultz married Charlotte Mailliard Swig in 1997. Throughout his life, Shultz maintained close relationships with his family, who provided him with love and support during his many years of public service.
George P. Shultz was a highly respected figure in American politics and economics. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including honorary degrees from Columbia University, Princeton University, and Northwestern University. In 2007, he was awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to U.S. foreign policy.
Shultz continued to work as a professor and advisor well into his later years. He passed away on February 6, 2021 at the age of 100, leaving behind a lasting legacy of public service and dedication to his country.