Throughout our country's history there have been several presidents who have bravely served their country before taking office. Now, for the first time since 2004, both political parties have a Veteran serving as their Vice Presidential nominee. This begs the question, how many Vice Presidents served in the military? Well, the United States has had at least 19 Vice Presidents serve in the military in some capacity. From local state militias to fighting in major military conflicts, here are the VPs who are Veterans:
Thomas Jefferson America’s second Vice President and third President was also a Colonel in the Virginia militia during the American Revolutionary War.
Aaron Burr Reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, was Aaron Burr, sir. He fought in the Battle of Quebec and the Battle of Monmouth during the American Revolutionary War.
George Clinton Vice President George Clinton was well-versed in the art of warfare and politics. As an American and colonist, Lt. Clinton was a part of the New York militia fighting in the American Revolution. Clinton also served during the French and Indian War, before getting involved in law and politics. A true separatist, Clinton had military experience before helping birth America as a privateer and a formal part of the British military.
Richard Mentor Johnson Our nation’s 9th Vice President, Richard Mentor Johnson is also a military Veteran. Not only did he serve during the War of 1812 in the Kentucky Militia as a Colonel but he also was a Commander for mounted fighters as a part of the United States Volunteers.
John Tyler Fighting in the War of 1812, Tyler was the Captain of the Charles City Rifles, a militia in Virginia. Though he escaped fighting as the British never attacked, he was still rewarded with land in what is known today as Iowa.
Andrew Johnson Chosen to be the Military Governor of Tennessee, equal to the rank of Brigadier General, the future President would lead the Volunteer State during the American Civil War after the Union reclaimed most of it.
Henry Wilson Serving in both the Massachusetts Militia and Union Army, holding the ranks of Brigadier General and Colonel, Wilson fought during the American Civil War. One particularly interesting part of history would find Wilson at the center of a controversy after a Confederate upset at the Battle of Bull Run Creek in July 1861. Although the Union was predicted to easily win, the Confederates almost captured Wilson and won the battle. This embarrassing moment would spark rumors that Wilson had let their military plans slip to a spy named Rose O'Neal Greenhow, a woman who was not his wife but who he maintained contact. It’s worth noting that Wilson has also mentioned his Senate clerk Horace White was also in the ear of Mrs. Greenhow and might be to blame. Who is really to blame may never be known; however, he would eventually overcome the rumors and become a VP.
Chester A. Arthur Before he was Vice President Chester A. Arthur, he worked with New York Governor Edwin D. Morgan on the military staff, which would become much more important as the American Civil War broke out. During this time, Arthur was made a Brigadier General for the New York Militia. His work in New York City was so effective, that shortly after, he was promoted to Inspector General for the state. Arthur almost fought on the frontlines with the 9th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment but Gov. Morgan liked his work and asked that he remain in NY instead.
Theodore Roosevelt The impact of Theodore Roosevelt on our military as Vice President and President of the United States is significant. However, he also made a major mark beforehand. Serving in the New York National Guard and U.S. Army, Roosevelt was famously a Colonel for the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War. He would end up earning the Medal of Honor in 2001 posthumously due to his actions during the Battle for San Juan Hill, leading to an American victory.
Charles G. Dawes Brigadier General Charles G. Dawes was a part of the American Expeditionary Forces in the Army during WWI where he would earn the Army Distinguished Service Medal. Dawes also served the 17th Engineers as a part of the Liquidation Commission of the War Department in the Army and also earned the Distinguished Service Medal and the French Croix de Guerre. In front of Congress, Dawes was strongly supportive of the money spent on the military during the Great War and would continue supporting the military by joining the American Legion after his service.
Harry S. Truman During WWI, Truman was a Field Artillery Officer who would see action in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, the Meuse–Argonne offensive, and defending the Western Front. Earning multiple awards for his service, Truman was in the Missouri National Guard before the Great War and continued to serve as an Army Reservist when he reached the rank of Colonel until 1953. He would assume the role of POTUS after President Roosevelt passed away unexpectedly. His military experience and general mindset would prove crucial for ending World War II favorably for the United States.
Richard Nixon Vice President turned POTUS Richard Nixon is a Navy Vet. He was also a part of the Navy Reserves, where he became a Commander in 1953 and served as a part of until 1966. While a Sailor, Nixon was a part of World War II fighting in the Pacific Theatre, earning multiple awards during his service.
Lyndon B. Johnson When the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, Lyndon B. Johnson was in Congress but a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve. Only two days later, Johnson asked for a leave of absence in order to serve as an active duty member of the Navy. He would earn a Silver Star for his service during WWII as a part of the Salamaua–Lae campaign, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Spiro Agnew Spiro Agnew ended up being drafted into the Army after Pearl Harbor. Here, he would complete Officer Candidate School at Fort Knox and begin serving at Fort Campbell. His role was mostly administrative; however, he was eventually sent to France as a part of the 54th Armored Infantry Battalion, which he would command. During the Battle of the Bulge, Agnew was part of Combat Command "B" of the 10th Armored Division, where intense fighting and conditions were all around. Various battles were fought as Agnew and the others around him fought to push into Germany. He earned a Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman Badge during his military service reaching the rank of Captain.
Gerald Ford Gerald Ford became a part of the U.S. Naval Reserve following Pearl Harbor, which would bring him to serve throughout the Pacific on the USS Monterey (CVL 26). While serving, Ford would earn the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal with nine campaign stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. To commemorate his service in the Navy, the latest aircraft carriers are known as the Ford-class with the lead ship, the USS Gerald Ford a testament to his leadership and sacrifice.
Walter Mondale Walter "Fritz" Mondale was a Corporal in the 3rd Armored Division Artillery during the Korean War before continuing his law career.
George H. W. Bush As a Naval Aviator, George H. W. Bush flew 58 missions during World War II, with just under 1230 hours of flying under his belt. Originally a part of the U.S. Naval Reserve, “Skin” would earn his nickname piloting a Grumman TBF Avenger in Air Group 51, which took off from the USS San Jacinto. Bush was a part of multiple attacks and was even shot down, narrowly escaping death, capture, and more. While preparing to invade mainland Japan, Bush would end up avoiding the attack because the nuclear bombs would bring the war with Imperial Japan to a close. By the time of his discharge, Bush was a Lieutenant with the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Presidential Unit Citation, and three Air Medals.
Dan Quayle From 1969 to 1975, Dan Quayle served in the Indiana National Guard, while also pursuing a law degree. However, the future Vice President’s decision to become a Guardsman was met with criticism in his political career, as opponents believed he signed up to avoid the War in Vietnam. Nevertheless, Quayle has insisted that his enlistment was not to dodge the draft. He served his country at home, and would ultimately run as VP during President George H. W. Bush’s presidency.
Al Gore During Vietnam, Al Gore was a Specialist 4 Journalist in the U.S. Army’s 20th Engineer Brigade. Serving in part because of his father’s military career, Gore also wanted to serve instead of someone who may have been drafted with fewer opportunities than he enjoyed. The future “inventor of the Internet” and Vice President would earn the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal for his service.
The answer to your question is YES.
Rams
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 11-07-2024).]
and future Vice President would earn the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal for his service.
He undoubtedly earned more than that. He would have at least added an Army good conduct ribbon/medal and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with frame & Palm) All troops that served in any capacity in S Vietnam from '62 until the fall of Saigon were awarded this ribbon by then President of S. Vietnam just weeks before fleeing the country. Prior to that, it was an award only to individuals for valor or as a meritorious award to specific units.
He wasn't in Vietnam for long IF, the wiki entry is correct:
"He was finally shipped to Vietnam on January 2, 1971, after his father had lost his seat in the Senate during the 1970 Senate election, becoming one "of only about a dozen of the 1,115 Harvard graduates in the Class of '69 who went to Vietnam".[29][33][34] Gore was stationed with the 20th Engineer Brigade in Biên Hòa and was a journalist with The Castle Courier.[35] He received an honorable discharge from the Army in May 1971.[16]"
That may sound unrealistic, but at that time "Vietnamization' was already well underway and the 20th Engineer Brigade had been in country for a number of years. Vietnamization meant US troop tasks were being turned over to the S. Vietnamese military and entire US units large and small were being pulled out and sent back to Conus..didn't matter how long individual members had been 'boots on the ground' .
On the other hand, the wiki article could be completely inaccurate.
[the following is totally unrelated, but i'm throwin' it in here anyway)
Real picture and 'reportedly' the 1st documented 'look back' photo. That sailor is about to lose his USN gal to a combat Marine..
[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 11-09-2024).]
