President Herbert C. Hoover

His humanitarian endeavors earned Hoover posthumous recognition from The American Legion in 1965.

"Before the United States' entry into World War I, Mr. Hoover's great talents were called upon to administer the gigantic relief programs for the aid of the helpless victims of war in Europe and especially in Belgium and France," said National Commander Donald E. Johnson, presenting the honor to the president's son, Herbert Hoover Jr.

In World War II, Hoover again raised millions to help feed war victims.

Hoover served as the secretary of commerce for presidents Harding and Coolidge before he was elected president. But less than eight months after his inauguration came the stock-market crash of 1929 and a struggling economy. Although he had been swept into office by a landslide, the Depression ended his chance at a second term.

Hoover, who had quickly become accustomed to life's struggles when he became an orphan at 8, is also remembered as a global humanitarian. When he faced criticism for feeding Soviet Russia in 1921, Hoover sharply replied, "Twenty million people are starving. Whatever their politics, they shall be fed!"

After his presidency, Hoover still aided the White House on several occasions. Truman named him to a commission to reorganize executive departments. Eisenhower gave him a similar appointment.

Hoover died in New York in 1964 at 90, while working one of his several books.

For more on Hoover, click here (http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/herberthoover).