# 1862 - 1984 20c Great Americans: Harry S. Truman
1984 20¢ Harry S. Truman
Great Americans Series
City: Washington, D.C.
Quantity: 352,150,000
Birth of Harry Truman
After graduating from high school, Truman worked as a clerk for a railroad construction company and two banks. In 1906, he returned to his family farm to help his father and joined the Missouri National Guard. When the US entered World War I, Truman organized a regiment that was called into service. He became a captain, and his unit was sent to France where it saw heavy fighting.
After the war, Truman returned to Missouri and opened a men’s clothing store in Kansas City, but it failed three years later because of the poor economy. While working in his store, Truman became involved in politics. In 1922, he was elected to be one of three judges of the Jackson County court. Though it was an administrative position, he built a reputation for integrity and efficiency. After losing his bid for reelection in 1924, Truman was elected as judge for the court two years later.
During Truman’s second term, he chaired the Senate Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program. His commission focused on excess spending by defense contractors and saved the country an estimated $15 billion. Truman became a national figure through his work, and the committee was named in his honor. He also caught the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
At that time, the president was planning for his fourth term in office. His health was failing, and there was a strong possibility he would not survive his tenure. FDR’s Vice President Henry Wallace was unpopular with the Democratic leadership, so the president looked for an alternative. He wanted a vice president who could guide the country through the end of the war. Roosevelt chose Truman as his running mate, and Truman proved to be an energetic campaigner.
1984 20¢ Harry S. Truman
Great Americans Series
City: Washington, D.C.
Quantity: 352,150,000
Birth of Harry Truman
After graduating from high school, Truman worked as a clerk for a railroad construction company and two banks. In 1906, he returned to his family farm to help his father and joined the Missouri National Guard. When the US entered World War I, Truman organized a regiment that was called into service. He became a captain, and his unit was sent to France where it saw heavy fighting.
After the war, Truman returned to Missouri and opened a men’s clothing store in Kansas City, but it failed three years later because of the poor economy. While working in his store, Truman became involved in politics. In 1922, he was elected to be one of three judges of the Jackson County court. Though it was an administrative position, he built a reputation for integrity and efficiency. After losing his bid for reelection in 1924, Truman was elected as judge for the court two years later.
During Truman’s second term, he chaired the Senate Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program. His commission focused on excess spending by defense contractors and saved the country an estimated $15 billion. Truman became a national figure through his work, and the committee was named in his honor. He also caught the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
At that time, the president was planning for his fourth term in office. His health was failing, and there was a strong possibility he would not survive his tenure. FDR’s Vice President Henry Wallace was unpopular with the Democratic leadership, so the president looked for an alternative. He wanted a vice president who could guide the country through the end of the war. Roosevelt chose Truman as his running mate, and Truman proved to be an energetic campaigner.