Philippine strongman Ferdinand Marcos served in both the Philippine and US armies during World War II. By the end of the war, he was a highly decorated officer.
Marcos spent 15 years as a member of the Philippine legislature. In 1965 he was elected President. In 1972 Marcos imposed martial law, and became both the President and the Prime Minister. Opposition soon developed to Marcos' rule. In 1983, opposition leader Benigno Aquino was assassinated on his return to the Philippines. Marcos was blamed for the attack, and widespread civil unrest ensued.
In November 1985 Marcos called for an election. The opposition rallied around Corazon Aquino, the widow of Benigno. Marcos declared himself the winner, despite an apparent victory by Mrs. Aquino. When word spread, civil disobedience followed, and the leaders of the Army announced that they were supporting Mrs. Aquino.
Marcos was forced to flee to Hawaii, where he later died.