Harry S. Truman
Born on May 8, 1884, in Lamar, Missouri, Harry S. Truman grew up on his family’s nearby farm and never attended college. When World War I began, Truman volunteered for duty and quickly rose to the rank of captain while serving in France. After the war, he faced financial hardships but decided to pursue a political career. His determination paid off when he was elected to the Senate in 1934. Truman’s political ascent continued as he became Vice President under Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1945, following Roosevelt’s death, Truman assumed the role of President, guiding the nation through the final stages of World War II and the beginning of the postwar era.