U.S. Presidents Who Served During the War of 1812-- Part 1

From the Feb. 14, 2021, National Interest  "Question;  Which presidents served in the U.S. military?" by Peter Siciu.

In honor of yesterday's Presidents Day, here is a look at some of the past presidents.  A total of 29 have served in the military.

The first president, of course, George Washington, was the leader of American forces in the Revolutionary War.  He was one of only two of our Founding Fathers to serve in the military, though.  

The other one was James Monroe, the fifth U.S. president who was an officer in the Continental Army, reaching the rank of major.  He was severely wounded at the Battle of Trenton.

Nearly all of the 29 military presidents were officers with the exception of James Buchanan, the 15th president.  He served as a private in the War of 1812.

--Brock-Perry