Presidents Who Served
Before they were Commander-in-Chief, they were soldiers and sailors. Twenty presidents served in the U.S. military.
Twenty of the 46 U.S. presidents served in the military before taking office. Their service ranged from the Revolutionary War to the Korean War era — from commanding armies in the field to piloting aircraft in the Pacific. Three of them — Grant, Eisenhower, and Carter — are graduates of the federal service academies profiled on this site.
20
Presidents Who Served
3
Service Academy Grads
12
WWII Veterans
Served as a British colonial officer in the French and Indian War before leading the Continental Army through eight years of war to secure American independence. His leadership at Trenton, Valley Forge, and Yorktown proved decisive.
Served as an officer in the Continental Army and was wounded at the Battle of Trenton (December 26, 1776) while crossing the Delaware with Washington. Continued to serve until 1778.
Captured by British forces at age 13. Became a national hero at the Battle of New Orleans (January 8, 1815), where his forces decisively defeated a superior British army attempting to seize the Mississippi River.
Won the Battle of Tippecanoe (1811) against Tecumseh's confederation and commanded forces at the Battle of the Thames (1813), where Tecumseh was killed. His campaign slogan 'Tippecanoe and Tyler Too' reflected his military fame.
Career Army officer known as 'Old Rough and Ready.' Hero of the Mexican-American War, winning decisive victories at Palo Alto and Buena Vista. His 40-year Army career made him one of the most combat-experienced men ever elected president.
Served as a brigadier general in the Mexican-American War under General Winfield Scott during the advance on Mexico City (1847). Was knocked unconscious twice during the campaign but returned to duty.
West Point Class of 1843. Rose from obscure captain to command all Union forces in the Civil War. Accepted Lee's surrender at Appomattox on April 9, 1865. One of only five officers to hold the rank of General of the Armies.
Served throughout the Civil War and was wounded four times. Commanded a brigade at Cedar Creek (1864). Received the brevet rank of Major General for gallantry in battle.
Distinguished himself at the Battle of Middle Creek (1862) and at Chickamauga (1863). Promoted to Major General at age 31 — the youngest in the Union Army. Left the Army to serve in Congress at Lincoln's request.
Commanded the 70th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving in Sherman's Atlanta Campaign and at the Battle of Nashville (1864). Received the brevet rank of Brigadier General for gallantry.
Served throughout the Civil War from Carnifex Ferry to Cedar Creek. At Antietam (1862), drove a mule-drawn cart of hot food to soldiers under fire — an act of bravery noticed by future president Rutherford B. Hayes, his commanding officer.
Resigned as Assistant Secretary of the Navy to lead the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry — the 'Rough Riders' — in Cuba. Led the famous charge at San Juan Hill (July 1, 1898). Received the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2001.
Commanded an artillery battery in France during WWI. Called back to active duty during WWII, rising to Colonel in the Reserve. As President, ordered the use of atomic bombs against Japan, ordered the Berlin Airlift, and desegregated the armed forces with Executive Order 9981.
West Point Class of 1915 ('the class the stars fell on'). Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, he planned and executed Operation Overlord (D-Day, June 6, 1944). One of only five officers to hold the five-star rank of General of the Army.
Commanded PT-109 in the Solomon Islands. When a Japanese destroyer sank his boat (August 2, 1943), he led his crew in a three-mile swim to safety, towing an injured crew member by biting his life preserver strap. Received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.
Served as a naval observer in the Pacific, flying on combat missions over New Guinea. Received the Silver Star for gallantry (June 9, 1942). Became the first serving Congressman to see combat in World War II.
Served in the Pacific as a Naval Aviation Ground Officer managing logistics operations. Received two service stars for his Pacific theater service.
Served aboard the light carrier USS Monterey in the Pacific, participating in 10 battle engagements. Survived a typhoon in December 1944 that nearly sank the ship. Received 10 battle stars.
Naval Academy Class of 1947. Served in the Navy's early nuclear submarine program, hand-selected by Admiral Hyman Rickover. Resigned his commission in 1953 to manage his family's farm in Georgia after his father's death.
The youngest naval aviator in the Navy when he received his wings at age 18. Flew 58 combat missions in the Pacific. Shot down over the Bonin Islands (September 2, 1944) and rescued by a submarine. Received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions.
