Andrew Jackson
While President Jackson became famous for his efforts in the War of 1812, he began his military career fighting in the American Revolution. He and his two brothers went off to fight in the South Carolinian regiments, leaving their single mother behind. After losing the older brother, Hugh, Andrew and Robert were captured by the British in 1781 and were afflicted with smallpox. Shortly after their mother managed to secure their release, both Robert and their mother died, leaving Jackson alone in the world… at the age of fourteen.
With a start like that, it’s no wonder that he was able to become such a powerful figure in American history.
Abraham Lincoln
Our 16th President never fought on the battlefield, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t ready to. In addition to serving as a captain during the Black Hawk War, Lincoln was an accomplished fighter. Upon being challenged to a duel by a political opponent (largely over comments made by Mary Todd, Lincoln’s future wife), Lincoln selected the largest broadswords possible. When the day of the duel arrived, the much taller Lincoln used his sword to cut off a branch right over his opponent’s head, demonstrating that he was certain to win and forcing his opponent to concede. This same strategic skill showed itself when he served as Commander in Chief a few years later.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
“Ike” was one of the most popular presidents in American history. While he served as a Republican, it was widely known that the Democrats were considering nominating him as well. And it’s no wonder, given that he was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War Two. It was his command, “Okay, let’s go,” that launched the D-Day invasion of Normandy in spite of the poor weather and likely resulted in the Allies winning the war. At this point in time, no other man has ever commanded so many troops in battle.