Born: 8 May 1884 · Died: 26 December 1972 · Age: 88
33rd US President who ordered the atomic bombings of Japan, launched the Marshall Plan and helped found NATO
Did you know?The middle initial in his name does not stand for a specific name but honours both of his grandfathers.
Quick facts
Date of birth8 May 1884
Date of death26 December 1972
Age at death88
Cause of deathPneumonia, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceLamar, Missouri, United States
Occupationpolitician, judge, businessperson
Editor's Take:
Truman became president unexpectedly in April 1945, when Franklin D. Roosevelt died, and immediately faced some of the hardest decisions any leader has ever made. Within months he authorised the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a choice still debated today. He then shaped the post-war world through the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe and the creation of NATO. He also ordered the desegregation of the US armed forces in 1948. His surprise victory in that year's election, after newspapers had already printed headlines announcing his defeat, became political legend.
Key Milestones
1945: Becomes President on Roosevelt's death
1947: Announces the Truman Doctrine
1948: Wins re-election in a famous upset
1949: Helps found NATO
Harry S. Truman (May 8, 1884 – December 26, 1972) was the 33rd president of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953. As the 34th vice president in 1945, he assumed the presidency upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in April.
Harry S. Truman's birthday is May 8. He was born on May 8, 1884 in Lamar, Missouri, United States.
How old was Harry S. Truman when he died?
Harry S. Truman died on December 26, 1972, aged 88.
Who shares a birthday with Harry S. Truman?
Famous people who share Harry S. Truman's May 8 birthday include Friedrich Hayek, Henry Dunant, Enrique Iglesias, David Attenborough and John Michael Talbot.
