Combs, Bert

Combs, (Bertram Thomas) Bert

(1911–  ) governor; born in Manchester, Ky. A lawyer, he served on General MacArthur's staff (1942–46), prosecuting Japanese war criminals. Returning to his law practice in Prestonburg, Ky., he became Court of Appeals judge (1951–55). As Democratic governor (1959–63), he instituted a merit system for state employees and reformed election procedures. Returning to his law practice afterward, he also served as U.S. Court of Appeals judge (1967–70).

The Cambridge Dictionary of American Biography, by John S. Bowman. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995. Reproduced with permission.