Religion: Baptist Education: Attended the University of Kansas City Law School Occupation: Farmer, public official Political Party: Democrat Other Government Positions:
On July 26, the National Security Act passed Congress creating the Department of Defense, the National Security Council, and the Central Intelligence Agency.
1948
On May 14, the U.S. recognized the state of Israel.
On May 12, the Soviet Union ended the Berlin Blockade.
On December 13, renovation began on the White House. The Trumans moved to Blair House across the street.
1950
On January 31, Truman announced that the U.S. will develop a hydrogen bomb.
On June 25, North Korea invaded South Korea starting the Korean War. Truman sent troops to the region five days later.
On November 1, two Puerto Rican pro-independence activists attempted to assassinate Truman at Blair House. White House Police officer Leslie Coffelt died in the gunfight - the only Secret Service member to die protecting the president.
From the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia, in addition to information on the Presidents themselves, they have first lady and cabinet member biographies, listings of presidential staff and advisers, and timelines detailing significant events in the lives of each administration.
The house where Truman lived from 1919 to his death is located in Independence, Missouri. The Truman Farm House, where Harry grew up, is located in Grandview, Missouri. Both are located in the Kansas City metropolitan area and both are part of the Truman NHS. Maintained by the National Park Service.
Located in Independence, Missouri, this site contains an exhibit hall, press room, educational resources, and of course the papers of the former president.
Medical background of each president with references. Compiled by John Sotos, MD.
Points of Interest:
1009 Truman St, Lamar, MO 64759
500 W US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050
219 N Delaware St, Independence, MO 64050
Additional Facts:
Truman was the first president assigned a Secret Service code name - General.
Truman was the first president to have a television set installed in the White House.
Truman's 1949 inauguration was the first televised.
Truman was the first president to address the nation on television.
In 1965, Truman was the first person issued a Medicare card.
There has been considerable controversy regarding the use of a period after the S in Truman's name since it does not stand for anything. The Harry S. Truman Library website explains the controversy and the reason to use the period.
Truman's motto was "The buck stops here."
Quotes:
“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
“I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it.”
“You can not stop the spread of an idea by passing a law against it.”
“We need not fear the expression of ideas—we do need to fear their suppression.”
“A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.”
“There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know.”
“You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog.”
“I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell.”
“The reward of suffering is experience.”
“If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”
“Always be sincere, even if you don’t mean it.”
“The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know it all.”
Truman’s Middle Name Controversy - a Presidential Story Ep. 20