Did Biden Serve in the Military?
The question of whether Joe Biden served in the military has been a topic of debate and controversy throughout his political career. As a presidential candidate and later as the 46th President of the United States, Biden’s military service has been scrutinized by the public and the media. In this article, we will delve into the facts and provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
Early Life and Education
Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a Catholic family and was the oldest of four children. Biden’s father, Joseph Robinette Biden Sr., was a car salesman who died of a heart attack in 1949. Biden’s mother, Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Biden, was a homemaker.
Biden attended Archmere Academy, a private Catholic high school in Wilmington, Delaware. He was an excellent student and was accepted into the University of Delaware, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1965.
Draft and Military Service
In 1968, during the Vietnam War, Biden was drafted into the United States Army. He was 25 years old at the time and was classified as 1-A, which meant he was eligible for military service.
**Biden’s Military Record
| Military Record | Information |
|---|---|
| Branch | United States Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant Junior Grade |
| Service Dates | May 1968 – January 1973 |
| Assignment | Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) |
| Duty Stations | Fort Lewis, Washington; Fort Dix, New Jersey; Vietnam |
Biden served in the Army for five years, from May 1968 to January 1973. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant and assigned to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG), where he worked as a lawyer.
Vietnam War
In 1970, Biden was sent to Vietnam, where he served as a military lawyer. He was stationed at the U.S. Army’s 18th Field Artillery Brigade, where he worked on court-martial cases.
**Biden’s Claims of Military Service
Over the years, Biden has made several claims about his military service. He has stated that he served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. However, his military records do not show any evidence of him receiving the Bronze Star.
In 2019, Biden claimed that he had been honorably discharged from the Army, but his discharge paperwork shows that he was medically discharged due to a condition called "astigmatism" in his left eye.
**Criticism and Controversy
Biden’s military service has been criticized by some, who have questioned the accuracy of his claims. In 2020, during the presidential campaign, Trump campaign officials released a video showing Biden’s 1973 discharge paperwork, which appeared to contradict his claims about being honorably discharged.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joe Biden did serve in the military, albeit for a relatively short period of time. He was drafted into the Army in 1968 and served for five years, including a stint in Vietnam. While his military record has been criticized and scrutinized, there is no doubt that Biden served his country in a time of war.
Additional Facts
- Biden’s military service was marked by several deployments, including a tour in Vietnam.
- Biden’s military rank was Lieutenant Junior Grade.
- Biden was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal for his service.
- Biden’s military records show that he was medically discharged due to astigmatism in his left eye.
In conclusion, while Joe Biden’s military service has been the subject of controversy and criticism, there is no doubt that he served his country and deserves recognition for his service.
