50 Facts About President Harry S. Truman

Early Life and Background

Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, had a fascinating life before his presidency. Here are some intriguing facts about his early years.

1. Born on May 8, 1884, in Lamar, Missouri, Truman was the oldest of three children.
2. His middle initial "S" doesn't stand for anything. It was a compromise between his grandfathers' names, Anderson Shipp Truman and Solomon Young.
3. Truman's family moved to Independence, Missouri, when he was six years old.
4. He was an avid reader as a child, with a particular interest in history and biographies.
5. Truman worked as a timekeeper for a railroad construction contractor after high school.
6. He briefly attended Spalding's Commercial College, a business school in Kansas City, but dropped out after a year.
7. Truman helped run the family farm from 1906 to 1917, gaining a strong work ethic and practical skills.

Military Service

Truman's military service played a significant role in shaping his leadership abilities and character.

8. He joined the Missouri National Guard in 1905, serving until 1911.
9. During World War I, Truman rejoined the Guard and was sent to France in 1918.
10. He was promoted to captain and commanded Battery D, 129th Field Artillery, 35th Division.
11. Truman's leadership in combat earned him the respect of his men, despite initial doubts about his abilities.
12. After the war, he remained in the Army Reserves, eventually reaching the rank of colonel.

Political Career

Truman's political journey began at the local level and eventually led him to the highest office in the land.

13. He was elected as a judge of the Jackson County Court in 1922, a position similar to a county commissioner.
14. Truman served as presiding judge from 1926 to 1934, focusing on infrastructure improvements.
15. In 1934, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, representing Missouri.
16. Truman gained national recognition as chairman of the Senate Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program, also known as the Truman Committee.
17. His work on the committee saved the government millions of dollars and earned him a reputation for integrity and efficiency.

Vice Presidency and Ascension to the Presidency

Truman's rise to the presidency was unexpected and came during a critical time in history.

18. He was selected as Franklin D. Roosevelt's running mate in 1944, replacing Vice President Henry Wallace.
19. Truman became Vice President on January 20, 1945.
20. Roosevelt's sudden death on April 12, 1945, thrust Truman into the presidency.
21. He had only been Vice President for 82 days before assuming the highest office.

Major Decisions and Policies

Truman's presidency was marked by several significant decisions and policies that shaped the post-war world.

22. He authorized the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.
23. Truman implemented the Marshall Plan, providing economic aid to rebuild Western Europe after the war.
24. He recognized the state of Israel on May 14, 1948, minutes after it declared independence.
25. Truman desegregated the U.S. armed forces with Executive Order 9981 in 1948.
26. He established the Truman Doctrine, pledging support to countries resisting communism, particularly Greece and Turkey.
27. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed during his presidency in 1949.
28. Truman's Fair Deal aimed to expand social security, increase the minimum wage, and promote housing and education reforms.

Personal Life and Legacy

Truman's personal life and legacy continue to be remembered and celebrated.

29. He married Bess Wallace on June 28, 1919, and they had one daughter, Margaret.
30. Truman was known for his daily walks, often covering several miles around Washington, D.C.
31. He was an accomplished pianist, often playing for guests at the White House.
32. Truman's plain-speaking style and decisiveness earned him the nickname "Give 'Em Hell Harry."
33. He retired to Independence, Missouri, after leaving office in 1953.
34. Truman wrote his memoirs, which were published in two volumes in 1955 and 1956.
35. He oversaw the construction of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, which opened in 1957.
36. Truman received the first Medicare card from President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965.
37. He passed away on December 26, 1972, at the age of 88.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are some lesser-known facts and quirky tidbits about Truman's life and presidency.

38. Truman was the last U.S. president who did not have a college degree.
39. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, reaching the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite.
40. Truman's favorite food was fried chicken, and he often enjoyed it with mashed potatoes and gravy.
41. He was an avid baseball fan, particularly of the St. Louis Cardinals.
42. Truman's daily routine included a shot of bourbon after breakfast.
43. He was the first president to give a speech on television, addressing the nation from the White House on October 5, 1947.
44. Truman's "Whistle Stop" campaign in 1948 involved traveling across the country by train, giving speeches from the rear platform.
45. He won the 1948 presidential election in a stunning upset, defeating Republican candidate Thomas Dewey.
46. Truman's inauguration in 1949 was the first to be televised.
47. He was known for his extensive letter-writing, often penning notes to friends, family, and constituents.
48. Truman's decision to fire General Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War was highly controversial but demonstrated his commitment to civilian control of the military.
49. He was the first president to integrate the Secret Service, appointing African American agents to his detail.
50. Truman's legacy is honored through numerous schools, roads, and institutions bearing his name across the United States.

Truman's Legacy Lives On

Harry S. Truman's presidency left a lasting impact on American history. From making the tough decision to use atomic bombs to ending World War II, his choices shaped the modern world. Truman's Fair Deal policies aimed to improve social welfare and civil rights, setting the stage for future reforms. His leadership during the early Cold War years helped establish the United States as a global superpower.

Truman's humble beginnings and straightforward approach endeared him to many. He navigated complex issues with a no-nonsense attitude, earning respect and criticism alike. His legacy includes the Truman Doctrine, which aimed to contain communism, and the Marshall Plan, which helped rebuild Europe.

Understanding Truman's life and presidency offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of leading a nation. His story reminds us that even ordinary individuals can make extraordinary contributions to history.