How many of our presidents served in the military?

How Many of Our Presidents Served in the Military?

The United States has a long history of military service among its presidents. In fact, more than half of the 45 presidents have served in the military at some point in their lives. This is a testament to the strong connection between the military and the presidency, as well as the country’s commitment to national defense.

The Founding Fathers

The first president, George Washington, was a military leader during the American Revolutionary War. He served as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and led the country to victory over the British. John Adams, the second president, was a lawyer and diplomat, but not a military officer. However, his son John Quincy Adams served in the Navy during the War of 1812.

The 19th Century

During the 19th century, many presidents served in the military. James Madison, the fourth president, served as a colonel in the Virginia militia during the Revolutionary War. James Monroe, the fifth president, served as a major in the Continental Army and was wounded at the Battle of Trenton.

The Civil War Era

The Civil War era saw a significant number of presidents serving in the military. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, served in the Illinois militia during the Black Hawk War. Andrew Johnson, the 17th president, served as a private in the Tennessee militia during the same war.

The 20th Century

In the 20th century, many presidents served in the military, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, who served as a five-star general during World War II. Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president, served as a captain in the Army Reserve during World War I.

The Vietnam War Era

During the Vietnam War era, several presidents served in the military, including John F. Kennedy, who served as a lieutenant in the Navy during World War II. Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president, served as a lieutenant colonel in the Army during World War II.

The Gulf War and Beyond

In the 1990s and 2000s, several presidents served in the military, including George H.W. Bush, who served as a naval aviator during World War II. Bill Clinton, the 42nd president, served as a lieutenant in the Army Reserve during the Vietnam War era.

The Current Era

In the current era, several presidents have served in the military, including Barack Obama, who served as a lieutenant in the Illinois Army National Guard during the 1980s. Donald Trump, the 45th president, served as a captain in the Army Reserve during the Vietnam War era.

Breakdown by Century

Here is a breakdown of the number of presidents who served in the military by century:

• 18th century: 2/5 (George Washington and John Adams)
• 19th century: 7/15 (James Madison, James Monroe, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, and James A. Garfield)
• 20th century: 14/20 (Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton)
• 21st century: 5/5 (George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and likely future presidents)

Table: Presidents Who Served in the Military

Conclusion

In conclusion, more than half of the 45 presidents have served in the military at some point in their lives. This is a testament to the strong connection between the military and the presidency, as well as the country’s commitment to national defense. From the founding fathers to the current era, military service has played a significant role in the lives of many presidents.