Ronald Reagan: From Hollywood To The Oval Office

The Army Comes Calling In 1937

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In 1937, Regan enlisted in the Army Enlisted Reserve. He worked to complete fourteen home-study courses while working in radio to become eligible. Starting as a private, he was promoted to second lieutenant the same year.

Reagan was called into active duty in 1942. His poor eyesight limited his service abilities, and he was assigned to the “First Motion Picture” unit in 1943. While there he starred in over 400 training films. By 1945 he was up for promotion to major but was denied. Up next, how enlisting in the Army may have cost Reagan his shot at movie stardom.