1950-1990. Liberian politician and soldier,
head of state 1980-90. He seized power in a
coup and was deposed and killed by rebel
forces. Doe joined the army in 1969 and rose
to the rank of master sergeant ten years
later. He led a coup in which President
Tolbert was killed 1980. Doe replaced him as
head of state, then had 13 cabinet members
shot in front of reporters. In 1981 he made
himself general and army commander in chief.
In 1985 he was narrowly elected president, as
leader of the newly formed National
Democratic Party of Liberia. His human-rights
record was poor.