William Montgomery McGovern facts for kids

William Montgomery McGovern (born September 28, 1897 – died December 12, 1964) was an amazing American adventurer, professor, and journalist. Some people even think he might have been the inspiration for the famous movie character Indiana Jones!

By the time he was 30, McGovern had already explored the Amazon rainforest. He also bravely traveled through unknown parts of the Himalayas. He even survived a revolution in Mexico! Besides his adventures, he studied at top universities like Oxford and the Sorbonne. He also became a Buddhist priest in Japan. Later in life, he was a popular lecturer, a war reporter, and a military expert.

William McGovern's Life Story

His Early Years and Education

William McGovern was born in New York City on September 28, 1897. His parents were Janet Blair and Felix Daniel McGovern, an army officer. It's said that he started traveling very young, even visiting Mexico with his mom when he was just six weeks old to see a revolution!

He spent his childhood and teen years in Asia. When he was 20, McGovern earned a special degree called "soro" (like a Doctor of Divinity) from a Buddhist monastery in Kyoto, Japan. After that, he continued his studies in Europe. He went to the Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Berlin. In 1922, he earned his Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) from Oxford University in England. While studying, he taught Chinese at the University of London to help pay for his education.

Amazing Explorations and Adventures

Soon after finishing his studies, McGovern began his first big adventure. He traveled to the faraway mountain kingdom of Tibet. In his book To Lhasa in Disguise, he wrote that he had to sneak into the country. He dressed up like a local porter to avoid being caught.

A few years later, he went on another exciting trip. This time, he explored Peru and the Amazon jungle. This journey led to another book he wrote, called Jungle Paths and Inca Ruins.

His Role During Wartime

Reporting on the Sino-Japanese War

In 1937, McGovern became a reporter for the Chicago Times. He was sent to Tokyo as the war between Japan and China began. He traveled with a friend, Thomas C. Quackenboss, to cover the invasion of Manchukuo. His friend was even jailed for taking photos in the streets! Both men spent a lot of time reporting from the front lines.

Serving in World War II

When the United States joined World War II, McGovern joined the Navy. He served from 1941 to 1945. During the Guadalcanal battle, he worked behind enemy lines. He used his knowledge of Japanese to talk to enemy soldiers and question prisoners. Later in the war, he served in Europe. He even crossed the Rhine river with General Patton's army.

One of his most important jobs during the war was not fighting. Every morning, he would wake up early to prepare a top-secret newspaper. This paper shared information about what the enemy was planning. It was so important that President Roosevelt and the Joint Chiefs of Staff (top military leaders) read it every day at breakfast.

Life as a Professor

When he was 30, McGovern became an assistant curator (someone who manages collections) at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Two years later, he became a professor of Political Science at Northwestern University. He taught there for the rest of his life.

As a Professor of Far Eastern Studies, his classes were always full. Students loved his lectures because he was so famous and interesting. He often shared stories from his time in Tibet and Japan. He even made his students learn Japanese characters (kanji) each week. He would draw them on a big chalkboard and explain their meanings. His students felt very lucky to be in his classes. His son, William M. McGovern Jr., also became a professor at Northwestern University.

Between his time as a war reporter and the start of World War II for the U.S., McGovern also taught at Harvard University. In 1941, he published his book "From Luther to Hitler: The History of Fascist-Nazi Political Philosophy". After the war, he taught about military intelligence and strategy at important military colleges.

It was said that McGovern could speak 12 languages! He was also deaf in one ear. He was known as a celebrity on campus. He often wore interesting foreign clothes and would tell stories at the University Club.

His Later Years and Family

McGovern passed away after a long illness in Evanston on December 12, 1964, at the age of 67.

He married his second cousin, Margaret Montgomery. They had four children together: three daughters and one son. His granddaughter is the famous actress Elizabeth McGovern. His grandson, William Monty McGovern, is a mathematics professor at the University of Washington.

His Books

William Montgomery McGovern wrote several books about his travels and studies:

• Colloquial Japanese
• To Lhasa in Disguise
• Jungle Paths and Inca Ruins
• From Luther to Hitler: The History of Fascist-Nazi Political Philosophy