James Addison Baker III, born in Houston in 1930, is an American attorney, diplomat, and statesman whose career shaped American politics in the late 20th century. During Ronald Reagan's administration, he served as White House Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Treasury; in the latter role, he negotiated the pivotal 1985 Plaza Accord. Under President George H. W. Bush, he was appointed Secretary of State, a position in which he managed U.S. diplomacy during historic events such as the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the reunification of Germany, and the formation of the international coalition for the 1991 Gulf War. Recognized as a skilled strategist and negotiator, he managed several successful Republican presidential campaigns. For his outstanding contribution to public service, in 1991 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.