[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.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 35th President
President Kennedy served in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Navy & Marine Corps Medal. He was the fourth US President to be assassinated on November 22, 1963.
Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th President
President Johnson served in the US Navy during WWII in the South Pacific attaining the rank of Lt. Commander. He was awarded the Silver Star. In 1949, he made Commander in the US Naval Reserve.
Richard Milhous Nixon, 37th President
President Nixon served in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific with South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command, attaining the rank of Lt. Commander.
Gerald Rudolph Ford, 38th President
President Ford served in the US Naval Reserve during WWII in the Pacific theater aboard CVI-26 (Monterey) as assistant navigator, attaining the rank of Lt. Commander, earning 10 battle stars. (Only President of the US not elected President or Vice President).
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