During one of the most turbulent periods in global history, seven future United States presidents answered the call to serve in World War II. From commanding world-defining operations to behind-the-scenes support, these leaders personally witnessed the harrowing realities of war. The military service of Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush not only shaped their individual characters but also their philosophies, decisions, leadership styles, and legacies as president.1. Dwight D. Eisenhower: Supreme Allied CommanderEisenhower meeting with Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division before D-Day, 1944. Source: Library of Congress.Based on Dwight D. Eisenhowers pivotal role during World War II, it is no surprise that both the Democratic and Republican parties considered him a potential presidential candidate. As the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe, Eisenhower led arguably the most complex and consequential military operation in modern history: Operation Overlord, commonly known as D-Day. The 1944 invasion of Europe freed the continent from Axis occupation, and Eisenhowers strategic expertise undeniably enabled Allied victory over Nazi Germany. The skills Eisenhower developed during the war would define his presidency shortly after the conflicts end.As a talented decision-maker, conflict manager, and risk taker, Eisenhower was well suited to lead the United States through uncertain times at the onset of the Cold War. After becoming president in 1953, Eisenhower boldly resisted Soviet expansion in spite of their wartime alliance against Nazi Germany. Today, Eisenhowers presidential legacy rests on his commitment to liberty and partnership, as illustrated by service as the first supreme commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization from 1950 to 1952, and the improvements he made to the American highway system as president, which were inspired by the autobahns of Germany. Certainly, Eisenhowers key political victories evidence how challenges faced in war can result in international prosperity and progress.2. John F. Kennedy: Patrol Torpedo Boat CommanderJohn F. Kennedy stands next to his sister, Jean Kennedy Smith, and King Mohammed hir Shh and Queen Humaira Begum of Afghanistan, 1963. Source: Library of Congress.Due to John F. Kennedys tragic assassination in 1963, the presidents military service during World War II is largely overlooked. Kennedy, however, served as a United States Navy Patrol Torpedo (PT) boat commander of USS PT-109 in the South Pacific after graduating from Harvard University. Kennedy received a Navy and Marine Corps Medal and a Purple Heart for helping his crewmates survive while heavily wounded after a Japanese destroyer collided with and sank their ship in 1943. After several days stranded on remote islands, Kennedy helped a rescue crew locate his men, but two sailors did not survive the ordeal. Despite this hardship, Kennedy returned to service by taking command of another vessel, PT-59, until his injuries warranted treatment in the United States in 1944.Kennedy carried this toughness into his presidency. His military service added a necessary depth to match public perceptions of the political candidates charm and charisma. Most notably, Kennedys diplomacy, ability to make quick decisions under stress, and understanding of the horrors of war enabled his administration to avoid a possible nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Similarly, the presidents expansion of the American space program helped the United States gain decisive advantage against the Soviet Union amid stark economic, political, and technological competition. Without unique experiences formulated during World War II, Kennedy may not have been as well equipped to handle a challenging period of uncertainty.3. Lyndon B. Johnson: Naval Advisor to President RooseveltThen-Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson in Vietnam, 1961. Source: Library of Congress.Prior to World War II, Lyndon B. Johnson was a young congressman representing his native state of Texas. Immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Johnson volunteered for active-duty service in the United States Naval Reserve. At first, he was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, where the congressman navigated logistical and staffing issues in support of the war effort. The following year, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Johnson as his personal representative to the Navy. In this role, Johnsons life changed while on a survey mission in the Pacific when the Japanese bombed his position. For his efforts as a volunteer observer during this attack, Johnson earned a Silver Star which he proudly displayed every day of his presidency. Though his time overseas was short-lived, the event helped bolster Johnsons political image.After becoming president in the wake of Kennedys assassination, Johnson escalated military operations during the Vietnam War based on his history and experience as a strategic military planner. Aside from his efforts to limit the spread of communism, Johnson launched an ambitious domestic social reform program. Key legacies of Johnsons Great Society program include major civil rights legislation and the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid. As such, it is evident that as president, Johnson continued to pursue what he thought was right for the United States both at home and abroad. This attention can be attributed to his time in the Pacific Theater during World War II.4. Richard Nixon: Naval Operations OfficerRichard Nixon greeting members of the Chinese national table tennis team at the White House, 1972. Source: Library of Congress.Despite a legacy dominated by the Watergate scandal and his subsequent resignation, Richard Nixons devotion to service runs deeper than his time in the White House. After enlisting in the Navy in 1942, Nixon received instruction as an aviator at the Naval Training School in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, subsequently serving as an operations officer in the Pacific. Looking for more excitement, Nixon volunteered for sea duty and soon found himself overlooking the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command at Guadalcanal and Green Island. During his time overseas, Nixon was responsible for planning and executing various military aerial missions, where he proved invaluable during logistical and administrative planning. These skills enhanced Nixons approach to leadership and diplomacy as president.After serving as Eisenhowers vice president between 1953 and 1961 and losing the 1960 election to Kennedy, Nixon won the 1968 election and became president the following January.Key policies of the Nixon administration revolved around dtente, the strategy of purposeful de-escalation of international tensions. In addition to easing hostilities between the United States, the Soviet Union, and China, Nixons military experiences informed his decision to end American presence in Vietnam while maintaining a strong national security posture. It is likely that Nixons first-hand observations during World War II resulted in the presidents commitment to peace without forgetting the value of a strong military.5. Gerald Ford: Aircraft Carrier Assistant NavigatorGerald Ford inspects American troops alongside Liberian President William Tolbert, 1976. Source: Library of Congress.Like several other presidents who served in World War II, Gerald Ford joined the US Navy in 1942. As a junior officer in the Naval Reserve, Ford served aboard the light aircraft carrier USS Monterey, where he fulfilled anti-aircraft and assistant navigator roles. His experience playing center for the University of Michigans American football team as it back-to-back national championships in 1932-33 made Ford a natural leader aboard the ship. One of the most significant events during his service, however, was faced outside of direct combat. In December 1944, Fords ship encountered Typhoon Cobra, a storm that sank three destroyers and killed hundreds of sailors. The extreme weather caused a fire to break out on the Monterey, but Ford led firefighting operations to save the ship and his fellow sailors from immense damage and death despite severe storm conditions.Molded by triumph through adversity during Typhoon Cobra, Fords presidency is marked by resilience. While president, Ford faced two huge challenges: withdrawing from Vietnam and the aftermath of the Watergate scandal. Each decision represented a threat to his political career, but Ford chose to prioritize national unity. Ending the Vietnam conflict and pardoning Richard Nixon may have contributed to his loss against Jimmy Carter when seeking re-election in 1976, but Ford stood by his morals strengthened by disaster in World War II. Ford committed to political service for decades following his presidency, highlighting a life of service.6. Ronald Reagan: Film CreatorRonald Reagan (right) with Israeli officials outside the White House, 1983. Source: Library of Congress.Ronald Reagans military service is more unique among presidents. Due to his poor eyesight, Reagan was ineligible to serve in combat roles during World War II. Instead, the actor performed his military duties in the First Motion Picture Unit of the United States Army Air Forces. There, Reagan leveraged his expertise as a Hollywood regular by creating training videos and propaganda films to support the war effort. Reagans behind-the-scenes work to increase public and financial support for Allied troops paved the way to an unmatched appreciation for communication skills and the importance of public perception. These experiences intensified his natural ability to connect with everyday Americans.Reagans service in World War II directly resulted in several initiatives that heightened the presence of the United States military during the 1980s. For example, Reagan executed robust defense policies and operations against drug smugglers and traffickers, commonly known as the War on Drugs, whom he perceived as a threat to national security. Simultaneously, the former actor deliberately strengthened and modernized the military through increasing defense spending. The effects of these policies can still be seen today through routine American countering of the international drug trade and unparalleled military spending.7. George H. W. Bush: Naval AviatorGeorge H. W. Bush as the United States United Nations Ambassador, 1971-1973. Source: Library of Congress.George H. W. Bush was elected president over four decades after World War II ended. During the conflict, Bush was the youngest aviator in the United States Navy. A quick learner, Bush enlisted in 1942 and was quickly sent to the Pacific to execute bombing missions. On one such bombardment, Bushs plane was struck by anti-aircraft artillery, forcing the future president and his crewmates to bail out of the plane. While he was eventually rescued by an American submarine, two of his peers did not survive, instilling a deep appreciation for the sacrifices and commitments required of war.The outcomes of military service on President Bush can be seen in swift response during the Gulf War. After learning of Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait, Bush promptly authorized Operation Desert Storm to support Kuwait, which the United States liberated in a matter of weeks. Bushs decision to use the United States military to confront Iraqi aggression saw the former naval aviators approval rating soar as high as 90% following the conflict. Bush additionally oversaw a peaceful conclusion to the Cold War, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty and anxiety that many World War II veteran presidents struggled to deal with.World War II had a major impact on the United States and its allies in the five decades following the conflict regardless of individual responsibilities during the war. Each diverse experience contributed to the development of unique insights that directly influenced how each president navigated complex geopolitical scenarios. In most cases, the lessons that the seven presidents learned during their wartime service enhanced their decision-making abilities in the Oval Office.