Alben W. Barkley (1877-1956) was a Kentucky lawyer and Democrat who served in the House and Senate and became one of the Senate's leading Democratic legislators. He served as Harry Truman's vice president from 1949 to 1953 before returning to the Senate in 1955. Barkley died suddenly in 1956 while delivering a speech at Washington and Lee University.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) was the 32nd president of the United States, serving an unprecedented four terms from 1933 until his death in 1945. He led the nation through the Great Depression with the New Deal and through most of World War II, greatly expanding the federal government's role in American life and establishing the United States as a leading world power. Roosevelt died in office in April 1945, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most consequential and influential presidents.

Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) was the 33rd president of the United States, unexpectedly assuming office in 1945 and leading the nation through the final months of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. He made the decision to use atomic bombs against Japan, the creation of the postwar international order, the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the NATO, and the Korean War. Though controversial, Truman is now widely regarded as one of the most consequential presidents of the post World War world.

Henry A. Wallace (1888-1965) was an agricultural scientist and businessman who became Franklin D. Roosevelt's secretary of agriculture and later his vice president. He served during the crucial years surrounding American entry into World War II before being replaced by Harry Truman on Roosevelt's 1944 ticket. Wallace later served as secretary of commerce and ran for president on the Progressive Party ticket in 1948.

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) was the 34th president of the United States and a five-star general who served as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II. As president from 1953 to 1961, he brought the Korean War to an end, strengthened America’s position in the Cold War, oversaw the creation of the Interstate Highway System, and took federal action to enforce school desegregation. Eisenhower left office as one of the most respected American leaders of the twentieth century.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) was the 36th president of the United States, known for advancing the Great Society, landmark civil rights legislation, and major federal programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. His presidency also became deeply associated with the Vietnam War, which escalated dramatically during his administration and divided the American public.