Early Life and Education of John Kerry: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of John Kerry, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

John Kerry is an American politician and diplomat, notable for his long career in public service. He served as Secretary of State under President Barack Obama, as a U.S. Senator representing Massachusetts for nearly three decades, and as the first U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. He was the Democratic presidential nominee in 2004, ultimately losing to George W. Bush. Kerry's career has focused on foreign policy, environmental issues, and domestic politics.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1901: Conversion to Catholicism and name change

In 1901, John Kerry's grandparents, Fredrick A. "Fred" Kerry and his brother converted from Judaism to Catholicism and changed their names from Kohn to Kerry.

1905: Emigration to the United States

In 1905, Fred and Ida Kerry emigrated to the United States from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, initially living in Chicago.

1915: Move to Brookline, Massachusetts

By 1915, Fred and Ida Kerry had moved from Chicago to Brookline, Massachusetts.

December 11, 1943: John Kerry's Birth

On December 11, 1943, John Forbes Kerry was born. He later became an American attorney, politician, and diplomat.

1944: Father discharged from Army Air Corps

In 1944, John Kerry was considered a military brat until his father was discharged from the Army Air Corps.

1957: Father Stationed in Norway, Kerry sent to boarding school

In 1957, John Kerry's father was stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway, and Kerry was sent back to the United States to attend boarding school.

1960: Playing bass in The Electras

In 1960, while at St. Paul's, John Kerry played bass in a minor rock band called The Electras with six of his classmates.

1961: Release of the Electras' Album

In 1961, John Kerry's band, The Electras, printed about five hundred copies of their album, selling some at school dances. The album was later made available on streaming platforms.

1962: Attended Yale University

In 1962, John Kerry attended Yale University, majoring in political science and living in Jonathan Edwards College. He also briefly dated Janet Auchincloss and was invited to sail with President John F. Kennedy.

March 1965: Won the Ten Eyck Prize

In March 1965, John Kerry won the Ten Eyck prize as the best orator in the junior class for a speech that was critical of U.S. foreign policy.

1966: Graduation from Yale

In 1966, John Kerry graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

1966: Enlistment in the United States Naval Reserve

In 1966, after graduating from Yale University, John Kerry enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve.

December 3, 1968: Shrapnel Wound and First Purple Heart Medal

On December 3, 1968, while in charge of a small boat near Cam Ranh Bay, John Kerry and his crew engaged a group of Vietnamese men unloading sampans. During the encounter, Kerry sustained a shrapnel wound in his left arm, leading to him receiving his first Purple Heart Medal.

February 20, 1969: Second Purple Heart

On February 20, 1969, on the Bồ Đề River, John Kerry received his second Purple Heart after being wounded by shrapnel in his left leg when his boat was hit by a B-40 rocket.

February 28, 1969: Awarded Silver Star Medal

On February 28, 1969, John Kerry was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions on the Duong Keo River, where he directed units to charge Viet Cong positions, coordinated the insertion of South Vietnamese troops, and personally pursued and killed a Viet Cong insurgent armed with a rocket launcher.

March 1, 1969: Press Release on Kerry's Actions

On March 1, 1969, a press release was written documenting John Kerry's actions for which he was awarded the Silver Star Medal.

March 13, 1969: Wounded on the Bái Háp River

On March 13, 1969, on the Bái Háp River, John Kerry received a slight shrapnel wound in the buttocks from blowing up a rice bunker.

March 17, 1969: Historical Summary of the Engagement

On March 17, 1969, a historical summary was dated documenting the engagement for which John Kerry was awarded the Silver Star Medal.

1970: Marriage to Julia Thorne

In 1970, John Kerry married Julia Thorne.

April 22, 1971: Kerry Throws Medals in Protest of the Vietnam War

On April 22, 1971, Kerry appeared before a U.S. Senate committee and participated in a demonstration with other Vietnam War veterans. During the demonstration he threw his medals and service ribbons over a fence at the United States Capitol building to protest the war.

May 30, 1971: Kerry Arrested During VVAW March

On May 30, 1971, Kerry was arrested during a Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) march in Lexington, Massachusetts. Kerry and 440 other demonstrators were arrested for trespassing and spent the night in jail before paying a $5 fine.

1972: Kerry Buys a House

After Kerry's defeat in 1972, he and his wife bought a house in Lowell, Massachusetts.

September 5, 1973: Birth of daughter Alexandra Kerry

On September 5, 1973, John Kerry's daughter, Alexandra Kerry, was born. She is a documentary filmmaker.

September 1973: Kerry Enters Boston College Law School

In September 1973, Kerry enrolled in Boston College Law School.

1976: Kerry Graduates and Joins District Attorney's Office

In 1976, Kerry received his J.D. from Boston College, passed the bar exam, and began working as a full-time prosecutor in the Middlesex County District Attorney's office.

December 31, 1976: Birth of daughter Vanessa Kerry

On December 31, 1976, John Kerry's daughter, Vanessa Kerry, was born. She is a physician.

1986: Kerry's Vietnam Reminiscences Published

In 1986, a book of Vietnam reminiscences was published where John Kerry mentioned his decision to sign up for swift boats, thinking they were primarily involved in coastal patrolling.

July 25, 1988: Divorce from Julia Thorne

On July 25, 1988, John Kerry and Julia Thorne were divorced after she asked for a separation in 1982. The marriage was formally annulled in 1997.

1990: Introduction to Teresa Heinz

In 1990, John Kerry and Teresa Heinz were introduced to each other by Heinz at an Earth Day rally.

May 26, 1995: Marriage to Teresa Heinz

On May 26, 1995, John Kerry married Teresa Heinz in Nantucket, Massachusetts.

1997: Marriage to Julia Thorne formally annulled

In 1997, the marriage between John Kerry and Julia Thorne was formally annulled.

2002: Death of Rosemary Forbes Kerry

In 2002, Rosemary Forbes Kerry, John Kerry's mother, passed away. John Kerry inherited trusts from Forbes family relatives through his mother.

2003: Kerry learns about his Jewish ancestry

In 2003, John Kerry stated that he was unaware of his Jewish ancestry until a reporter informed him.

2003: Lieutenant Commander George Elliott's Statement

In 2003, Lieutenant Commander George Elliott stated he considered court-martialing Kerry or giving him a medal for his actions that earned him the Silver Star Medal.

October 2004: Interview with Christianity Today

In October 2004, John Kerry spoke to Christianity Today.

2004: Public revelation of Jewish ancestry

During his 2004 presidential campaign, John Kerry's Jewish ancestry was publicly revealed.

2004: Julia Thorne supports Kerry's presidential run

In 2004, Julia Thorne supported John Kerry's presidential run.

2004: Posting Military Records

In 2004, during the election, John Kerry posted his military records at his website and permitted reporters to inspect his medical records.

2004: Teresa Heinz Kerry's Net Worth

In 2004, the Forbes 400 survey estimated Teresa Heinz Kerry's net worth at $750 million, though other estimates ranged from $165 million to $3.2 billion. Forbes magazine also estimated that John Kerry would be the third-richest U.S. president in history if elected, considering Heinz's assets.

2005: Released Military and Medical Records

In 2005, John Kerry released his military and medical records to the representatives of three news organizations.

July 23, 2010: Report on New Yacht Construction

On July 23, 2010, the Boston Herald reported that John Kerry commissioned the construction of a new $7 million yacht (a Friendship 75) in New Zealand and moored it in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, allegedly to avoid Massachusetts taxes.

2011: Kerry's Financial Disclosure Form

In 2011, John Kerry's financial disclosure form indicated his personal assets ranged from $230,000,000 to $320,000,000, which included the assets of his spouse and any dependent children.

2013: Increase in H. J. Heinz Company Assets

In 2013, John Kerry's H. J. Heinz Company assets, worth slightly more than $3,000,000, increased in value by over $600,000 when Berkshire Hathaway announced their intention to purchase the company.

2014: Support for Israel's right to defend itself

In 2014, John Kerry voiced his support for Israel's right to defend itself during the Israel-Gaza conflict that year.

May 31, 2015: Biking Accident in France

On May 31, 2015, John Kerry broke his right leg in a biking accident in Scionzier, France. He was subsequently flown to Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital for recovery.

January 20, 2017: End of diplomatic work and participation in Women's March

On January 20, 2017, John Kerry retired from diplomatic work following the end of the Obama administration and took part in the 2017 Women's March in Washington, D.C.

April 2017: Purchase of Property on Martha's Vineyard

In April 2017, John Kerry purchased an 18-acre property with a seven bedroom home on Martha's Vineyard in Chilmark, Massachusetts for $11.75 million.

September 2018: Publication of "Every Day Is Extra"

In September 2018, John Kerry published his memoirs, "Every Day Is Extra", which deals with his life and career in government.

Every Day Is Extra

Check it on Amazon

November 2018: "Guardian Live" conversation on migration and climate change

In November 2018, John Kerry discussed migration into Europe and climate change at London's Central Hall in a "Guardian Live" conversation with Andrew Rawnsley, sponsored by The Guardian.

December 5, 2019: Endorsement of Joe Biden's presidential bid

On December 5, 2019, John Kerry endorsed Joe Biden's bid for the Democratic nomination for president, expressing confidence in Biden's ability to restore the country and improve lives.