Many remember Ronald Reagan as a charismatic president, but fewer know about his military service. The truth is, Ronald Reagan did serve in the military during World War II, though not in a combat role overseas. This article delves into Ronald Reagan’s military service, exploring his enlistment, assignments, and contributions to the war effort.
Ronald Reagan’s journey into military service began well before the United States entered World War II. Demonstrating an early interest in military affairs, he enrolled in Army Extension Courses in 1935. This proactive step led him to enlist in the Army Enlisted Reserve in 1937, assigned to the 322nd Cavalry. His aptitude and commitment were quickly recognized, and he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Cavalry Reserve in May of the same year. By June 1937, newly relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career, Reagan accepted his officer’s commission and joined the 323rd Cavalry.
With the outbreak of World War II, Lieutenant Reagan was called to active duty in April 1942. However, a pre-existing condition – poor eyesight – meant he was classified for limited service. This classification restricted him from overseas deployment, directing his service to stateside assignments. His initial active duty was at the San Francisco Port of Embarkation at Fort Mason, California. There, he served as a liaison officer, coordinating between the Port and Transportation Office.
Seeking to contribute further, Reagan applied for a transfer to the Army Air Forces (AAF) in May 1942, a request approved the following month. This transfer led him to AAF Public Relations and subsequently to the 1st Motion Picture Unit in Culver City, California. This assignment perfectly aligned with Reagan’s background in acting, allowing him to utilize his skills for the war effort. He quickly rose in rank, becoming a First Lieutenant in January 1943 and then Captain by July of the same year. During this period, he was temporarily assigned to the Provisional Task Force Show Unit of This Is The Army in Burbank, further leveraging his talents for morale and war bond efforts.
Captain Reagan’s service in the 1st Motion Picture Unit and later the 18th AAF Base Unit was significant. He held various administrative roles including Personnel Officer, Post Adjutant, and Executive Officer. Crucially, he played a key role in the production of approximately 400 training films for the Army Air Forces. These films were vital for training pilots, ground crews, and support staff, contributing directly to the effectiveness of the AAF during the war. While he was recommended for promotion to Major in 1945, it was ultimately disapproved. Captain Reagan concluded his active duty on December 9, 1945, at Fort MacArthur, California, having served his nation through crucial support roles.
Although Ronald Reagan’s Reserve Commission eventually terminated in 1953, his military service remained a part of his biography. Decades later, his military experience took on a new dimension when he became Commander-in-Chief of all U.S. Armed Forces upon his presidency in 1981. While his WWII service was not on the front lines, it was a dedicated contribution to the American war effort, utilizing his unique skills in support of the nation’s goals. His story illustrates that military service takes many forms, and every role, whether in Hollywood or on the battlefield, played a part in the victory of World War II.
