Did President Ronald Reagan Serve in the Military?
Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, is often known for his Hollywood career as an actor and his subsequent stint as a politician. One aspect of his life, however, is often left out of the conversation – his military service. Specifically, the question remains whether or not President Reagan actually served in the military. In this article, we’ll delve into the life and military career of President Reagan to answer this very question.
Early Life and Military Enlistment
Born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois, Ronald Wilson Reagan grew up in Dixon, Illinois. After serving as the president of his high school’s drama club, Reagan went on to study economics and sociology at Eureka College. However, he never graduated due to financial constraints.
Before pursuing a career in film, Reagan enlisted in the United States Army Reserve on April 29, 1937, just after his 26th birthday. He was appointed as a Second Lieutenant in the 14th Cavalry Regiment, serving as a staff sergeant in the Officers’ Reserve Corps.
Contents
- 1 Reagan’s Military Service: The Key Points
- 2 World War II and Reagan’s Military Exemption
- 3 Post-War Life and Politics** After the war, Reagan went on to pursue his career in Hollywood, transitioning from radio announcer to film actor. He was active in the **Sagamore Institute of Leadership**, a conservative organization that aimed to promote character education. Reagan’s exposure to politics began in 1964 when he famously spoke out against the anti-Communist **House Committee on Un-American Activities**, sparking a national debate about individual rights and government powers. Did President Reagan Serve in the Military? The Verdict
Reagan’s Military Service: The Key Points
• Enlisted: April 29, 1937
• Branch: United States Army Reserve
• Regiment: 14th Cavalry Regiment
• Rank: Second Lieutenant (promoted to captain in 1942)
• Service: Approximately 5 years (interrupted by World War II)
• Discharge: April 30, 1942
World War II and Reagan’s Military Exemption
When World War II broke out in 1939, Reagan was still in the Army Reserve. With his age and physical characteristics not making him an ideal candidate for combat duty, he was exempted from active duty due to his age (29) and honorably discharged as a Captain in April 1942. His exemption was largely attributed to his age, weight (over 200 lbs), and a history of poor eyesight.
While many men of his generation fought on the frontlines, Reagan’s military experience was limited to a handful of months of training at the Fort Knox Armor School in Kentucky.
