In "Presidents at War," Steven M. Gillon examines how World War II influenced a generation of U.S. presidents, highlighting the contrast between their wartime service and postwar decision-making. He identifies eight presidents, emphasizing that only seven served in uniform during WWII. Gillon draws attention to Ronald Reagan’s actions, revealing that he created a façade of wartime heroism despite his limited involvement. He posits that those who endured combat, like Eisenhower and JFK, tended to exercise more restraint in military engagements post-war, indicating a direct link between personal experience in the war and their leadership style.
Gillon argues that the presidents who experienced combat, like Eisenhower and JFK, were more cautious in using military force.
He illustrates how Reagan crafted an image as a wartime hero while actually avoiding combat during WWII.
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