Ronald Reagan is typically remembered for his time as President of the United States and for his work as an actor in Hollywood. There is less discussion, however, about his time in the U.S. Army. Let’s dive in and examine the lesser-known military career of the nation’s 40th President and Commander-in-Chief.
Early military career
Ronald Reagan 1942
Lt. Ronald Reagan, New Moral Officer at Fort Mason in San Francisco, CA at Hamilton Field, circa 1942. (Photo Credit: Bettmann/ Getty Images)
Ronald Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Illinois. When Reagan was 24-years-old in March 1935, he enrolled himself in a series of home studies. After completing these 14 courses in April 1937, Reagan enlisted in the Army Enlisted Reserve. He was a Private assigned to Troop B, 322nd Cavalry, stationed at Des Moines, Iowa.
On May 25, 1937, Regan was appointed Second Lieutenant of the Officers Reserve Corps of the Cavalry. However, less than a month later, in June 1937, Reagan decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue a film career. He accepted his Officer’s Commission and was assigned to the 323rd Cavalry.
