Richard M. Nixon
U.S. Naval Reserve (USNR) in the South Pacific during World War II
36th Vice President January 20, 1953–January 20, 1961
37th U.S. President of the United States 1969–1974

Background
Richard Milhous Nixon was born January 9, 1913 to parents Francis Anthony “Frank” Nixon and Hannah Elizabeth Milhous Nixon in Yorba Linda, California. In 1922, the family moved to Whittier, CA. He attended East Whittier Elementary School then Fullerton Union High School.

Although admitted to Harvard University, he enrolled in Whittier College to help his parents with their family store and business and graduated class of 1934. He was accepted by Duke University School of Law with a scholarship and became the president of the Duke Bar Association and joined the Order of Coif law student honor society and graduated third in his class of 1937.

After graduation, he applied to the FBI (FBI) but although hired, his appointment was canceled due to budget cuts and instead returned home and was hired at a lawyer at Wingert and Bewley in Whittier. In 1938 he opened his own branch in in La Habra and became a partner the next year. While acting in a play, he met high school teacher named Thelma "Pat" Ryan who he dated. On June 21, 1940 they married. Later in 1941, he sought a job in Washington, D.C. to broaden his prospects and was hired at the Office of Price Administration where he was tasked with replying to correspondence but found the job dull.

Wartime History
In May 1942, Nixon applied to the U.S. Navy (USN) for an officer commission. On June 15, 1942 appointed as a Lieutenant (Junior Grade) in the U.S. Navy Reserves (USNR). During October 1942, assigned as commander of NAS Ottumwa in Iowa. On July 2, 1943 he was assigned to overseas duty with Marine Air Group 25 (MAG-25) in the South Pacific (SoPAC) Air Transport Command (SCAT). His duties included preparing flight plans and manifests for R4D transports and supervised loading and unloading. On October 1, 1943 promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was the Commanding Officer (C.O.) of their forward detachment based at Vella Lavella, Bougainville and Green Island (Nissan).

Afterwards, he returned to the United States and was assigned to NAS Alameda. In January 1945, transferred to the Bureau of Aeronautics office in Philadelphia to help negotiate the termination of war contracts. For the remainder of World War II, he worked in other offices related to war contracts. On October 3, 1945 promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. On March 10, 1946 he was relieved from active duty and remained in the reserves. On June 1, 1953 Nixon was promoted to the rank of Commander in the reserves and retired on June 6, 1966.

Postwar
Nixon was nominated as the Republican candidate and defeated incumbent Democrat Jerry Voorhis to represent California's 12th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives and served January 3, 1947 – November 30, 1950. Next, U.S. Senator from California December 1, 1950 – January 1, 1953.

In 1952, when Dwight D. Eisenhower was nominated for President by the Republican party but had no strong preference for his Vice Presidential candidate. Republicans recommended Nixon who was 39 years old at the time and against Communism and represented California. While campaigning, Eisenhower spoke about his plans for the United States and left the negative campaigning to Nixon. Their ticket was dubbed "Ike and Dick".

Nixon served as Vice President January 20, 1953–January 20, 1961. As Vice-President, Nixon had more responsibilities during his term than any previous VP. During 1953, he toured the Far East succeeded in increasing goodwill toward the United States, and gave him an appreciation of the region and included visits to Saigon and Hanoi in French Indochina. In May 1954, he met North Korean defector, No Kum-Sok (Kenneth N. Rowe).

Nixon was elected 37th President of the United States (POTUS) serving January 20, 1969 – August 9, 1974.

Memorials
Nixon passed away April 22, 1994 at age 81 in New York, NY. He is buried at the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace in Yorba Linda, CA.

Awards
For his World War II service with SCAT, he earned a Navy Letter of Commendation and a Navy Commendation Ribbon, which was later updated to the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal) from his commanding officer for "meritorious and efficient performance of duty as Officer in Charge of the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command". For his role at the Bureau of Aeronautics, he earned a second letter of commendation from the Secretary of the Navy for "meritorious service, tireless effort, and devotion to duty".

References
The White House - Richard M. Nixon
FindAGrave - Richard Milhous Nixon (photo, grave photo)
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Richard Nixon - Presidential Daily Diary
Richard Nixon Foundation

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