From Pennsylvania to Peril

The Vietnam War, kept at the forefront of most undergraduates' minds, leapt into consciousness for Ridge when he was drafted into the Army a year after graduation.

Serving as a staff sergeant from 1969 to 1970, Ridge was recognized for bravery, awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and the Combat Infantry Badge.

When he was discharged, he went on to earn a law degree and opened a practice in Pennsylvania.

In 1982, then an established prosecutor, Ridge decided to run for Congress.

Ridge was the first enlisted man who saw combat in Vietnam to be elected to the U.S. House. Though eager to use the war experience as leverage in his campaign, Ridge was less keen on highlighting his Harvard ties.

He won, as a moderate Republican in a working-class Democratic district.

In the House, Ridge supported minimum-wage laws, voted to cut national defense spending, and, most relevant to his vice presidential aspirations, consistently supported a women's right to an abortion. According to the Congressional Quarterly, an influential Washington weekly magazine, Ridge voted with President Reagan only 40 percent of the time.