September 23, 1973-January 20, 1977 - Secretary of State under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

1973 - Wins the Nobel Peace Prize, with Le Duc Tho, for negotiating the end of the Vietnam War. Le Duc Tho declines the award.

1974-1975 - Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs for President Ford.

1982 - Opens international consulting firm Kissinger Associates, Inc.

1982 - Has triple coronary bypass surgery.

November 2002 - Is appointed by President George W. Bush to lead the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9-11 Commission).

December 13, 2002 - Resigns as chairman of the 9-11 Commission, citing controversy over possible conflicts of interest with clients of his consulting firm.

March 2005 - Undergoes an angioplasty procedure.

May 18, 2006 - Is awarded the Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service. The Eisenhower Medal is awarded to recognize advances toward President Eisenhower's vision for peace and productivity through international dialogue.