Cavalry Reserves

Ronald had a passion for riding horses. A friend (and a reserve officer in the cavalry) had suggested that Reagan apply for a commission, giving him access to army horses and all the free riding he could want. The idea appealed to Reagan until he learned that eyesight was of primary importance in the commisioning of a cavalry officer. Reagan at this time wore glasses and would later wear corneal lenses once they became available. But in 1935 he became a reserve second lieutenant with the 14th Cavalry Regiment at Des Moines by the simple expedient of cheating! During his medical examination, instead of a piece of cardboard, he held his hands over his deficient eyes and peeped through the slight gaps between his fingers. This had the same effect as punching a pinhole in a cardboard, producing the effect of a corrective lens for a nearsighted person. Because of his commission in the cavalry reserve, Reagan was made a second lieutenant in that branch of the service.