Richard accepted work with the Office of Price Administration (OPA) in Washington, D.C. and in Jan 1942, he and his wife Pat set up home in Alexandria, Virginia. He began working as an assistant attorney for the rationing coordination section, in particular, with rubber and tire rationing for the war effort.
Then, in Aug 1942, Richard was accepted to the Officer Training Program at the Naval Air Station, Quonset Point, Rhode Island. He was transferred to Ottumwa, Iowa in Oct 1942, where he served as Aide to the Executive Officer. Richard frequently requested a combat assignment and finally succeeded with an overseas post in May 1943. After a brief leave to Whittier, he reported to San Francisco and sailed to New Caledonia on May 31, 1943, where he worked as a staff officer, primarily in logistics, in the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command (SCAT). Pat Nixon remained in San Francisco, working for the OPA while he was out at sea, as she reasoned that was where he would return. Richard was promoted to Lieutenant on October 1, 1943.
In January 1944, his unit was moved to the Solomon Islands, a frequent target of Japanese air raids, and in February, he supported the U.S. attack on Green Island in a logistics role. He received a Letter of Commendation for his 'meritorious and efficient performance' at both. During this time, he developed his interest for poker and in his memoirs he referred to a poker game in which he drew a royal flush. It is believed that his substantial winnings were used to help finance his first congressional campaign. Richard's combat tour ended in July 1944 and he and Pat returned to San Francisco where he was assigned to Fleet Air Wing 8, Alameda, working on transportation problems. Transferred to the East Coast in November 1944, the Navy made use of his legal training by assigning him the task of terminating defense contracts. Praised for his 'meritorious service, tireless effort, and devotion to duty' he was credited with saving the Navy millions of dollars.
In August 1945, President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon were in the famous Times Square crowd celebrating the Japanese surrender. President Nixon was released from active duty in September 1945, but agreed to stay until December 31, 1945, to clear up a few contract terminations. In October 1945, he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander.
He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
RIchard Nixon served as President Dwight E. Eisenhower's Vice President for eight years, 1953-1961. Nixon became the 37th President of the United States in 1969.