Was President Biden in the Military?
As the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden has had a long and storied career in public service. Before becoming President, he served as a United States Senator from Delaware for 36 years and as Vice President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. But one question that has been raised about President Biden’s background is whether he served in the military.
Direct Answer: Yes, President Biden was in the military
The answer to this question is yes, President Biden did serve in the military. In 1968, at the age of 25, Biden enlisted in the United States Navy and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Navy Reserve. He served on active duty for five months, from May 1968 to October 1968, during the Vietnam War.
Biden’s Military Service
Here are some key facts about President Biden’s military service:
- Branch: United States Navy
- Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2)
- Active Duty: May 1968 to October 1968 (5 months)
- Location: USS Gallup (LST-984), a landing ship tank, in the Gulf of Tonkin
- Job: Radio operator and communications officer
Why Did Biden Join the Military?
Biden has spoken publicly about why he joined the military. In an interview with the New York Times in 2019, he said:
"I was 25 years old, and I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I was trying to get out of the Senate, and I was trying to get out of politics, and I was trying to get out of the country. And I thought, ‘Well, I’ll just join the Navy, and I’ll go to Vietnam, and I’ll get out of all this.’"
Biden’s Experience in the Military
During his time in the Navy, Biden served on the USS Gallup (LST-984), a landing ship tank that was stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin. He was responsible for operating the ship’s radio equipment and communicating with other ships and shore-based stations.
In an interview with the Washington Post in 2019, Biden described his experience in the military as follows:
"It was a great experience. I was proud to serve. I was proud to be part of the Navy. I was proud to be part of the military. And I was proud to be part of the country."
Biden’s Military Honors
For his service in the Navy, Biden was awarded the following honors:
- National Defense Service Medal: Awarded to all members of the military who served during the Vietnam War
- Vietnam Service Medal: Awarded to all members of the military who served in Vietnam
- Navy Unit Commendation: Awarded to the USS Gallup (LST-984) for its service in the Vietnam War
Conclusion
In conclusion, President Biden did serve in the military, specifically in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. His experience in the military lasted for five months, from May 1968 to October 1968, and he served on the USS Gallup (LST-984) as a radio operator and communications officer. Biden’s military service is a significant part of his background and has had a lasting impact on his life and career.
Table: President Biden’s Military Service
| Branch | Rank | Active Duty | Location | Job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States Navy | Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2) | May 1968 to October 1968 (5 months) | USS Gallup (LST-984), Gulf of Tonkin | Radio operator and communications officer |
Bullets: Key Facts about President Biden’s Military Service
• Served in the United States Navy from May 1968 to October 1968
• Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Navy Reserve
• Served on the USS Gallup (LST-984) in the Gulf of Tonkin
• Responsible for operating the ship’s radio equipment and communicating with other ships and shore-based stations
• Awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Navy Unit Commendation for his service
