Is president biden a veteran?

Is President Biden a Veteran?

A Direct Answer: Yes, President Biden is a Veteran

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., the 46th President of the United States, is indeed a veteran. He served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1968, during the Vietnam War era. In this article, we will delve into President Biden’s military service, highlighting his accomplishments and experiences during his time in the Navy.

Early Life and Enlistment

Born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden grew up in a middle-class family. His father, Joseph Robinette Biden Sr., was a car salesman, and his mother, Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Biden, was a homemaker. Biden’s family moved to Claymont, Delaware, when he was just a child. He attended Archmere Academy, a Catholic high school in Claymont, where he developed a passion for politics and public service.

In 1961, Biden enrolled at the University of Delaware, where he studied history and political science. Two years later, he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations.

Navy Service

In May 1965, Biden enlisted in the United States Navy, hoping to see action in Vietnam. He was commissioned as an officer in the Navy Reserve, serving as a lieutenant junior grade. Biden was assigned to the USS Ellis (DE-18), a destroyer escort that patrolled the waters off Vietnam.

Service Record

During his time in the Navy, Biden’s service record includes:

• Service dates: May 1965 – January 1969
• Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2)
• Ship: USS Ellis (DE-18)
• Duty stations: USS Ellis (DE-18), USS Poseidon (AS-157)
• Awards and decorations: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal

Experiences and Achievements

Biden’s time in the Navy was marked by several significant experiences and achievements:

• Vietnam War: Although Biden did not see combat in Vietnam, he served on the USS Ellis, which patrolled the waters off Vietnam, providing gunfire support and transporting troops and supplies.
• Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr.: Biden served under the command of Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr., who would later become the Chief of Naval Operations. Zumwalt was known for his progressive leadership style and emphasis on community involvement.
• Navy’s Advisory Committee on Reactivation: Biden was a member of the Navy’s Advisory Committee on Reactivation, which focused on improving the Navy’s readiness and efficiency.
• Honorable Discharge: Biden was honorably discharged from the Navy in January 1969, with the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.

Post-Navy Life and Career

After his discharge from the Navy, Biden returned to Delaware and pursued a career in politics. He served as a U.S. Senator from Delaware from 1973 to 2009 and was the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 2001 to 2003. In 2008, Biden was elected as the Vice President of the United States, serving under President Barack Obama. In 2020, he was elected as the 46th President of the United States.

Conclusion

In conclusion, President Biden is indeed a veteran, having served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1968. His experiences and achievements during his time in the Navy have shaped his perspective on military service and national security. As the 46th President of the United States, President Biden continues to draw upon his military service and commitment to public service.

Timeline of President Biden’s Military Service

Awards and Decorations

Navy Rank and Duty Stations

Note: The information presented in this article is based on publicly available sources and may not reflect the entirety of President Biden’s military service.