The episode follows Roosevelt from service in the New York Army National Guard to command of the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry during the Spanish-American War. The Rough Riders' combat record includes the battles of Las Guasimas and San Juan Hill. Roosevelt received the Medal of Honor retrospectively in 2001. The award is treated as deserved, though he may have preferred the honor to go to the people he commanded.
Notable Point · 25:46-27:16
Rough Rider service and Roosevelt's Medal of Honor
Roosevelt's National Guard service, Rough Rider command, Spanish-American War battles, and retrospective Medal of Honor show the military experience behind his public image.