Skip to Main Content

U.S. Presidents: Harry Truman

This guide will give you information about the Presidents of the United States.

Harry S Truman

(1884-1972)

Harry S. Truman

Profile

Occupation

U.S. Vice President

U.S. President (April 12, 1945 - January 20, 1953)

Date of Birth

May 8, 1884

Date of Death

December 26, 1972

Place of Birth

Lamar, MO

Place of Death

Kansas City, MO

Education

Independence High School (William Chrisman High School)

Spalding's Commercial College

Parents

Martha Ellen Young Truman

John Anderson Truman

Spouse

Bess Wallace

Political Party

Democratic

Awards

Congressional Gold Medal

Thanks of Congress

Military Service
 

Allegiance 

United States

Service/Branch (Years)

Missouri National Guard (1905-1911)

United States Army (1917-1919)

United States Army Reserve (1920-1953)

Rank

Corporal (National Guard)

Captain (Army)

Colonel (Reserve)

Number of Children

One

Did You Know?

President Truman...

  • ...owned a men's clothing shop that almost went bankrupt.
  • ...pushed for universal health insurance.
  • ...almost double the minimum wage.
  • ...tried to go on a road trip incognito.

Biography

Harry S. Truman was born in Missouri on May 8, 1884. He was Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s vice president for just 82 days before Roosevelt died and Truman became the 33rd president. In his first months in office he dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, ending World War II. His policy of communist containment started the Cold War, and he initiated U.S. involvement in the Korean War. Truman left office in 1953 and died in 1972.

Quotes

Books Located in the Library