It’s a common observation that many leaders have a military background, and when it comes to the United States Presidency, this holds particularly true. In fact, a significant number of U.S. presidents have the distinguished honor of being veterans before stepping into the role of Commander-in-Chief. As we observe occasions like President’s Day, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the military service of these leaders and explore just How Many Us Presidents Served In The Military.
To answer the question directly, out of the 45 individuals who have held the office of President of the United States, an impressive thirty-one have served in the U.S. armed forces. Among these veterans, twelve reached the esteemed ranks of general officers, holding grades from O-7 to O-11, with one president theoretically achieving the rank of O-12. This rich history of military service amongst presidents offers valuable insights into leadership and the qualities valued in the highest office in the nation.
Perhaps most famously, three presidents attained the highest military ranks: George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Ulysses S. Grant. Their military achievements are not only notable in themselves but also underscore the significant military experience present at the presidential level throughout American history.
Presidents George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Ulysses S. Grant in military uniforms
George Washington’s military career is foundational to the United States. At the time of his death, Washington held the rank of lieutenant general, equivalent to an O-9 today. However, in a remarkable gesture in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford, himself a former Naval Reserve officer, posthumously promoted Washington to General of the Armies of the United States. This unique rank, also held by General John J. Pershing, is theoretically considered a six-star general rank, or O-12, although without a physical six-star insignia. President Ford’s declaration explicitly stated that Washington would outrank all officers, past, present, and future, cementing his paramount position in U.S. military history.
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s military prestige stemmed from his leadership during World War II. He achieved the rank of five-star general while serving as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe from 1942 to 1945. Eisenhower is among a select group of only nine U.S. officers to have ever worn the five-star insignia, a testament to his exceptional military leadership. This group comprises four Army generals, four Navy admirals, and one Air Force general, highlighting the highest echelons of military achievement across different branches.
Ulysses S. Grant, another towering figure in military history, served as lieutenant general before Congress authorized the grade of General of the Army on July 25, 1866. Although this title is now synonymous with the five-star insignia, during Grant’s time, it was equivalent to a four-star general rank. Grant’s military experience was forged in the crucible of both the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War, experiences that undoubtedly shaped his presidency.
Beyond these highest ranks, several other presidents achieved the rank of brigadier general (O-7), including Benjamin Harrison, Chester Arthur, and Franklin Pierce. Major General rank, or O-8, was attained by William Henry Harrison, Rutherford B. Hayes, and Andrew Jackson. Andrew Jackson, in particular, rose to national prominence as a war hero after his decisive victory against the British at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, illustrating how military achievements could propel individuals to the highest office.
Ten presidents reached the rank of colonel (O-6), a significant achievement in itself. Among these colonels are two Founding Fathers: Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Both served in the colonial militia, the precursor to today’s National Guard, demonstrating that military service was a part of civic duty from the very inception of the nation. Other presidents who were Army colonels include Harry S. Truman and Theodore Roosevelt. Theodore Roosevelt famously organized and commanded the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, known as the Rough Riders, during the Spanish-American War. Despite his eagerness to serve in World War I after his presidency, his offer to volunteer was declined by then-President Woodrow Wilson. Posthumously, Roosevelt was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2001, recognizing his earlier military contributions.
Lyndon B. Johnson and James Monroe both attained the rank of commander (O-5). Lyndon B. Johnson, a former Navy commander, served during World War II and was awarded a Silver Star medal by General Douglas MacArthur for his bravery during a B-26 bomber mission. James Monroe, the fifth president, also held this notable rank, adding to the list of presidents with significant military experience.
The Navy is also well-represented in presidential military history. John F. Kennedy and George H.W. Bush, the 35th and 41st presidents, both reached the rank of lieutenant (O-3) in the Navy and served during World War II. Kennedy was awarded a Purple Heart and a medal for heroism, while George H.W. Bush earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions as a Navy aviator during a mission where his aircraft was shot down. These two, along with Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter, are often referred to as the “Six Sailor Presidents,” highlighting a strong naval tradition among presidents.
George W. Bush, the 43rd president and son of George H.W. Bush, served as a pilot in the Texas Air National Guard, reaching the rank of first lieutenant. He flew F-102 fighter jets, making him the only president to have served in the modern U.S. Air Force. Ronald Reagan, the 40th president, also has ties to the Air Force’s early history, serving as a captain in the U.S. Army Air Force (later the Army Air Corps). During World War II, Reagan was assigned to the 1st Motion Picture Unit, where he contributed to over 400 training films.
John Tyler and Abraham Lincoln both held the rank of captain in the Army. Abraham Lincoln, while serving as a private in the Illinois State Militia during the Black Hawk War, was elected captain by his militia company, reflecting the common practice of officer elections in militia units during that era.
James Buchanan, the 15th president, holds the distinction of being the lowest-ranking veteran president, having served as a private (E-1) in the Army during the War of 1812. He is unique as the only president who enlisted without becoming a commissioned officer, yet still served his nation in uniform.
In conclusion, when considering how many US presidents served in the military, the answer is a significant majority – thirty-one out of forty-five. This number underscores the deep connection between military service and the presidency throughout American history. From the highest ranks of General of the Armies to service as a private, the experiences gained in the military have undoubtedly shaped the leadership and character of many U.S. presidents, contributing to their roles as Commander-in-Chief.
(Note: Military ranks are compared using current military pay grades as a general basis due to rank structure changes over time. Information is compiled from public, educational, governmental, and historical sources.)
