Did Jimmy Carter fight in WWII? Military career explored as former President dies at 100

Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived American President, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. Carter was in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, for 22 months before his death. The Carter Center confirmed his passing in a post on X and confirmed that he died peacefully while being surrounded by his family.

Carter's wife Rosalynn also died in the same home a year back.

While Carter has etched his name in Americans' hearts with his work, he had a whole different career before becoming a peanut farmer and entering politics. He came from a military family, as his father served in the army during World War I. On the other hand, his uncle was enlisted as a radioman in the Navy and served in Guam in 1941.

According to Military.com, right from his childhood, Carter's ambition was to become a sailor. As he grew up, he chose the Naval Academy for his graduation. Before beginning his training at the Naval Academy, he studied at Georgia Tech's Navy ROTC program for a year.

Jimmy Carter was at the academy during World War II. Therefore, he did not serve in it. When he graduated from the academy in 1946, he received his first commission as a lieutenant.

His naval career began as an officer on the USS Wyoming, testing new technologies. Following his transfer to New London, he became a lieutenant. In his biography, the former President mentioned how he enjoyed his time serving as a submariner for five years.

Carter left the Navy when his father died, and he had to return home to run his family business. He was honorably discharged from the service after serving for seven years. On January 20, 1977, Jimmy Carter took an oath as the 39th US President.

President Joe Biden pays homage to the late Jimmy Carter

The entire country has been mourning the death of Carter. Following his demise, President Joe Biden penned a heartfelt tribute. He wrote,

"When I look at Jimmy Carter, I see a man not only for our times, but for all times. A man who embodied the most fundamental human values we can never let slip away."

He continued -

"And while we may never see his likes again, we would all do well to try to be a little more like Jimmy Carter."

Many are also remembering Carter as the first US President who took climate change seriously, while others are looking back at his long and eventful life.