Harry S. Truman
33rd President
Born: 1884 Died: 1972 Served: 1945 - 1953

Vice-President Alben W. Barkley
Political Party Democrat
College University of Kansas City
Occupation Farmer
Birthplace Lamar, MO
Place of Burial Independence, MO

Pop Quiz Facts

* 1944: Running with Franklin D. Roosevelt, elected vice president.
* 1945: On April 12, sworn in as president following the sudden death of President Roosevelt.
* 1945: On May 7, Germany surrenders, ending World War II in Europe. After atomic bombs are dropped on two cities, Japan surrenders in September.
* 1946: Orders seizure of nation's railroads in face of a strike threat.
* 1948: In a political upset, defeats the favorite, Thomas Dewey, in presidential election.
* 1950: Orders U.S. troops to Korea as part of United Nations force to combat North Korean invasion of South Korea.
* 1951: Relieves Gen. Douglas MacArthur of command in the Far East.

Interesting Facts

* The middle initial "S" in Truman's name is not an abbreviation and has no significance.
* In recognition of Truman's contribution to medical insurance, President Johnson presented the first two Medicare cards to Mr. and Mrs. Truman.
* It was Truman who popularized the phrase, "If you can't stand the heat stay out of the kitchen."
* A Confederate sympathizer, Truman's mother refused to sleep in Lincoln's bed during a White House visit.

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