Privilege, tragedy,
and a young leader

Mitt Romney's mother called him her "miracle baby," since he arrived after doctors had warned she could never have children again. He grew up idolizing his force-of-nature father, George, and his parents invested great ambition in their youngest son. But until tragedy struck, he had few opportunities to show himself worthy of the expectations. (By Neil Swidey and Michael Paulson, Globe Staff)

 INTERACTIVE PHOTO: Who's who?

Survivors recall tragic car crash with Romney at wheel

The mission car was packed that day. Six people in a car that would comfortably seat five, but otherwise, an ordinary drive that happened to turn tragic. (By Michael Paulson, Globe Staff)

 MAP: Key points in France

Mormon church obtained Vietnam draft deferrals for Romney, other missionaries

Gov. George Romney and his son, Mitt, look out over the Chrysler exhibit at the New York World's Fair grounds May 18,1964. Dick Milliman, who served as George Romney's press secretary, was struck by how much the governor delighted in having his youngest son around. "They would hug upon meeting, and not just any hug," he recalls. "He would give Mitt a big bear hug and a kiss." (AP File Photo)