10 Facts About Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, led the nation through some of its most pivotal and challenging moments.

Known for his plainspoken demeanor and unwavering determination, Truman assumed the presidency in 1945 following the sudden death of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Despite being relatively unknown at the time, Truman’s leadership during the end of World War II, the start of the Cold War, and significant domestic changes left an indelible mark on American history.

Here are 10 fascinating facts that provide a deeper glimpse into the life and legacy of this remarkable leader.

Harry S. Truman Facts

1. The “S” in His Name Didn’t Stand for Anything

Harry S. Truman’s middle initial “S” was unique because it didn’t actually stand for a specific name. His parents, John and Martha Truman, chose the letter to honor both of his grandfathers, Anderson Shipp Truman and Solomon Young.

Also Read: Harry S. Truman Timeline

They couldn’t decide which grandfather to name him after, so they settled on “S” as a tribute to both. Truman often joked about the ambiguity, but he always wrote his middle initial with a period, despite some debate over whether it was necessary.

Harry S. Truman

2. A President Without a College Degree

Truman was the last U.S. president who never earned a college degree. After graduating from high school in Independence, Missouri, he worked various jobs, including as a bank clerk and a farmer, before briefly attending business school and law school.

However, financial constraints and his family’s needs forced him to leave his studies unfinished. Despite this, Truman valued education and was a voracious reader, which he credited for much of his knowledge.

3. He Owned a Failing Haberdashery

In 1919, after returning from World War I, Truman opened a men’s clothing store in Kansas City with his wartime friend Edward Jacobson. The store initially did well but struggled during the economic downturn of the early 1920s.

Also Read: Accomplishments of Harry S. Truman

It ultimately went bankrupt in 1922, leaving Truman with significant debts. Remarkably, he refused to declare bankruptcy and spent years paying off his creditors, a testament to his strong sense of personal responsibility.

4. He Served in World War I

Truman joined the Missouri National Guard in 1905 and served in the U.S. Army during World War I, commanding a field artillery unit in France. As a captain, he earned the respect of his men despite having no prior military experience.

His leadership skills shone during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, where he successfully led his battery under intense enemy fire. This experience shaped his confidence and decision-making in later years.

Harry S. Truman

5. He Authorized the Use of Atomic Bombs

One of Truman’s most significant and controversial decisions as president was the authorization of atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. The bombings resulted in Japan’s surrender, effectively ending World War II.

However, they also caused unprecedented devastation and the deaths of over 200,000 people. Truman defended the decision as a necessary step to save lives and end the war quickly, but it remains a deeply debated topic in history.

6. He Established the Truman Doctrine

In 1947, Truman announced the Truman Doctrine, which promised U.S. support for nations threatened by communism, particularly Greece and Turkey.

This policy marked the beginning of the Cold War and the United States’ strategy of containing Soviet influence around the world. The doctrine laid the foundation for U.S. foreign policy throughout the Cold War, leading to initiatives like the Marshall Plan and NATO.

7. He Desegregated the U.S. Military

Truman took a bold step for civil rights by issuing Executive Order 9981 in 1948, which mandated the desegregation of the U.S. armed forces. This decision was groundbreaking at a time when segregation was still widespread in American society.

Truman faced significant political backlash, particularly from Southern Democrats, but he viewed it as a matter of moral responsibility and justice.

Harry S. Truman

8. His Reelection Campaign Was a Historic Upset

The 1948 presidential election is remembered as one of the greatest upsets in U.S. history. Polls and the media widely predicted that Truman would lose to Republican candidate Thomas Dewey.

Despite this, Truman ran an energetic, whistle-stop campaign, traveling over 30,000 miles by train and connecting directly with voters. His unexpected victory was so surprising that the Chicago Tribune famously published the headline “Dewey Defeats Truman” before the results were finalized.

9. He Lived Modestly After Leaving Office

After leaving the presidency in 1953, Truman returned to his modest home in Independence, Missouri. Unlike modern presidents, he had no federal pension, and he refused lucrative corporate offers, believing they would diminish the dignity of the presidency.

He relied on his military pension and royalties from his memoirs to make ends meet. His financial struggles eventually led Congress to establish pensions for former presidents.

10. He Was a Prolific Letter Writer

Truman was known for his sharp wit and candid letters, which he used to express his opinions on everything from politics to personal matters. One of his most famous letters was directed at a critic who disparaged his daughter Margaret’s singing performance.

Truman defended her passionately, writing that if he ever met the critic in person, there would be a “back-alley discussion.” His habit of writing letters offers a unique insight into his personality and values.