EDGAR DOUD WHITCOMB was born in Hayden, Indiana, on November 6, 1917. He is a graduate of both Indiana University and Indiana University Law School. He served in the Army Air Corps for two combat tours in the Philippines during World War II(1940-45). After his active military service, he graduated from Indiana University Law School. He practiced law in southern Indiana over a 30-year period, including two years as assistant U.S. Attorney (1954-1956). A graduate of the Army Command and General Staff course and the Air Force Staff Course he served in the Air Force Reserve for 31 years and retired with the rank of colonel. He served in the Indiana State Senate (1951, 1953). He chaired the Great Lakes Compact Commission and served as Secretary of State of Indiana (1967-68). He was elected Governor of Indiana in 1968 and served one four-year term. Upon retirement from the practice of law at the age of 68, Whitcomb took sailing to the open seas. He purchased a 30 foot sailboat in Greece and sailed solo across both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. When not sailing, Whitcomb makes his home in the village of Hayden in rural southern Indiana.