above self. reporter: a legacy that led him to receive the highest civilian award in the united states, the presidential medal of freedom. his life is a testament that public service is a noble calling. s we honor george herbert walker bush for service to america that spanned nearly 70 years. joining us now, cnn presidential historian and former director of the nixon presidential library, tim neftaly. also wrote george herbert walker bush: this part of the american president series, the 41st president. welcome back. you who threat book, and you you wrote this book, and you wrote that he was better prepared for the challenges facing the united states at the end of the cold war than any other. why? well, george herbert walker bush had been vice president, he had been the head of the cia, he