Plot Synopsis

PRESIDENTS AT WAR is a two-part documentary that chronicles the story of World War II through the experiences of eight men who served in active duty -- Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush -- and who would go on to be Presidents. Each was changed by the crucible of war, which shaped the decisions they made when they reached the White House. Like 16 million other Americans, these eight future presidents bravely served their country during its darkest hour, and then went on to further service as the nation's Commanders-in-Chief. Their experiences give a picture of both the European and Pacific theaters of battle in World War II. Nineteen-year-old bomber pilot George H.W. Bush and 25-year-old PT Boat commander John F. Kennedy fight on the front lines in the Pacific, as do Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Fifty-two-year-old General Dwight D. Eisenhower, a man who had never seen combat before the outbreak of the war, goes on to become the Supreme Allied Commander of the war in Europe, seizing it back from Nazi control. These are men who played a first-hand role in the war effort. They become leaders who steer the nation through conflict and turmoil in the last half of what becomes known as the American century, fueled by lessons they learned during the 20th century's defining war. PRESIDENTS AT WAR premieres on History Channel from 8-10pm ET/PT on Sunday, February 17 and Monday, February 18, 2019 (Presidents Day).