Ramon Villeda Morales (1909-1971) served as president of Honduras from 1957 to 1963. During his tenure, he instituted many reforms in the fields of labor, health, and education. He was ousted from office in a military coup and sent into exile.

Ramon Villeda Morales was born in Ocotepeque, Honduras on November 26, 1909. He studied medicine at the National University of Honduras, where he served as president of the federation of university students. He married Alejandra Bermudez Milla, a teacher from a politically active family. The couple moved to Germany in 1938 to attend graduate school. Returning to Honduras in 1940, Villeda Morales started a pediatric clinic in Santa Rosa de Copan and then opened a private clinic in Tegucigalpa, the capital city.

Reorganized Liberal Party

Villeda Morales helped to reorganize the Honduran Liberal Party. He demonstrated political and oratorical skills as well as personal charisma. His supporters called him "Little Bird," for his...