[Written on the initial marker, provided for context]
Our Constitution names the President of the United States the Commander in Chief of all the Armed Forces. Presidents who have served in our military are displayed on the following plaques. Each has served either on Active Duty, in the National Guard or in the Reserves. History will judge their performance as President and as Commander in Chief, usually long after they have served. Each President is to be commended for their service and each fill the office of President in a particular time-frame, confronted with unique problems and circumstances. It is fitting that we honor their service here.
James (Jimmy) Earl Carter, 39th President
President Carter graduated from the Naval Academy and served from 1946-1953, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. He served under Admiral Rickover in the development of the nuclear submarine program. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ronald Wilson Reagan, 40th President
President Reagan served in the Army Reserve as a Second Lieutenant, then in the US Army during WWII, attaining the rank of Captain. He was barred from combat because of poor eyesight. He narrated pre-flight training films for the Army Air Force Motion Picture Unit.
George Herbert Walker Bush, 41st President
President Bush served in the US Navy in the Pacific during WWII, attaining the rank of Lieutenant junior grade. He was the youngest pilot in the Navy when he earned his wings (age 19). He flew 58 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
George Walker Bush, 43rd President
President Bush served as a pilot in the Air National Guard for 5 years, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant.
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