What Two Recent Presidents Were Veterans?
The United States has a long history of valiant service members who have risen to the highest office in the land. Out of the 45 presidents who have served the country, a significant number have been veterans of the US military. In this article, we will focus on the two recent presidents who served their country before ascending to the presidency.
George H.W. Bush (1989-1993)
The first recent president who was a veteran is George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States. Born in 1924, Bush grew up in Connecticut and was raised in a patriotic family. He joined the US Navy in 1942 at the age of 18, shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Bush was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy and was sent to serve in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Bush’s Service Record
- Served in the Navy for nearly four years
- Flown 58 combat missions in Grumman TBM Avenger torpedo bombers
- Shot down by Japanese anti-aircraft fire on September 2, 1944
- Rescued by the USS Finback, a US submarine
- Received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery
After the war, Bush returned to the United States and began his career in politics. He served as a representative from Texas, Ambassador to the United Nations, and Director of Central Intelligence before being elected President in 1988.
Donald J. Trump (2017-2021)
The second recent president who was a veteran is Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States. Born in 1946, Trump grew up in Queens, New York, and was raised in a wealthy family. He enlisted in the US Army Reserve in 1968, but was honorable discharged in 1972 without serving a day.
Trump’s Service Record
- Enlisted in the US Army Reserve on May 14, 1968
- Served as a private first class in the 106th Finance Battalion
- Was given a medical discharge on October 15, 1972, due to bone spurs in his heels
- Claimed to have served in Vietnam, but this has been disputed
After his time in the Army Reserve, Trump returned to his business career, building a real estate empire and becoming a well-known figure in the world of entertainment. He was elected President in 2016.
Comparison of Service Records
| President | Service Branch | Length of Service | Combat Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| George H.W. Bush | US Navy | Nearly 4 years | 58 combat missions |
| Donald J. Trump | US Army Reserve | Less than 4 years | None |
As we can see, George H.W. Bush had a more extensive and decorated military career than Donald J. Trump. Bush served in World War II, flew combat missions, and was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross. Trump, on the other hand, was honorable discharged from the Army Reserve without serving a day and has been criticized for his exaggerated claims of service in Vietnam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both George H.W. Bush and Donald J. Trump were veterans of the US military, their service records were vastly different. Bush’s service in World War II and his numerous combat missions set him apart from Trump’s brief time in the Army Reserve. As we continue to honor the sacrifices of our veterans, we must also remember the significance of their service and the differences between their experiences.
Additional Facts
- George H.W. Bush was one of the youngest naval aviators in the US Navy when he was commissioned in 1942.
- Donald J. Trump received a medical discharge from the Army Reserve due to bone spurs in his heels, a condition that has been criticized as a potential example of "slackers" receiving exemptions from military service.
- George H.W. Bush was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 for his lifetime of service to the country.
- Donald J. Trump has been criticized for his treatment of veterans, including his claims that he knows more about the military than generals and his efforts to slash funding for veterans’ programs.
