Theodore Roosevelt IV belongs to a lineage with plenty of namesakes. Among these, his great-grandfather, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, stands out as the most renowned, having held the office of the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909 Though his ancestor’s story is captivating, the younger Roosevelt’s story is equally intriguing.
Today recognized for his work in investment banking and conservation efforts, Roosevelt is also a veteran of the Vietnam War. Depending on the account, he served either as a US Navy SEAL or a frogman. His journey has been remarkable, transitioning from military service into various arenas of activism.
Theodore Roosevelt IV’s youth
Theodore Roosevelt IV was born on November 27, 1942 as his parents’ only son. One of the Oyster Bay Roosevelts, he attended Harvard University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1965. While there, he was part of the prestigious Porcellian Club, which is often considered to be in the same league as other Ivy League secret societies.
After completing his degree at Harvard, Roosevelt was commissioned in the US Naval Reserve as an ensign. He completed training with Underwater Demolition Team 11 (BUD/S Class 36), serving as an officer. Following this, he served two years in Vietnam.
Service during the Vietnam War
There’s a lot of legend surrounding Theodore Roosevelt IV and his naval training. One version, in particular, says that, instead of using a typical 120-pound log for training, he was given one that was much larger and heavier. Instead of complaining, he put up with it and the jokes that accompanied it. He was also supposedly given the nickname “T-4” during his training.
Little is known about Roosevelt’s service during the Vietnam War. However, there is significant information about the role Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) and the Navy SEALS played. The US Navy first joined the conflict in 1958, but it wasn’t until 1961 that the UDTs took an active role, training Southern Vietnamese troops.
The team Roosevelt served with was awarded the Naval Unit Commendation in 1966. Later in the war, these troops and SEALs provided support to other US soldiers during amphibious actions, as well as took on more traditional frogmen roles, destroying obstacles and enemy bunkers along shorelines.
Theodore Roosevelt IV returns Stateside
Following his service in Vietnam, Theodore Roosevelt IV came back to the United States. In 1970, he tied the knot with Constance Lane Rogers, and together they welcomed a son. Additionally, Roosevelt made the choice to pursue further education, obtaining his MBA in 1972. Throughout his studies, he remained active as a member of the Harvard Business School Rugby Club.
Starting his professional career in 1972, Roosevelt started on his journey at Lehman Brothers, assuming the role of a general banker specializing in domestic corporate finance. Despite transitioning away from active military service, he maintained his affiliation with the US Naval Reserve, achieving a promotion to the rank of lieutenant commander on April 1, 1974. During a period, he contributed his expertise to the US Foreign Service, both in Washington and Burkina Faso.
Work with the American Legion
As a veteran himself, Theodore Roosevelt IV was asked to serve as the chair of the American Legion‘s 100th Anniversary Committee, a position he graciously accepted. He was asked, in part, because of his family ties to both the US military and the creation of the Legion, as his grandfather, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., is often considered to be one of its founders.
Of the appointment, Roosevelt said, “I am honored and even more humbled by the opportunity to work with The American Legion to help it discharge the nation’s obligations to its veterans. The American Legion – what it has done, what it is doing and what it will continue to do – is exactly what my grandfather and his fellow co-founders intended to achieve.”
Theodore Roosevelt IV’s environmental activism
Theodore Roosevelt IV’s work with the American Legion is not the only philanthropic endeavor he’s undertaken. Perhaps the most extensive project is his continued dedication to conservation and environmentalism. He’s the secretary of the Climate Reality Project, a member of the Governing Council for The Wilderness Society, the board chair for the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, and a trustee for the American Museum of Natural History.
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Roosevelt has been asked to speak on numerous occasions about the environment at different universities and conferences, and for international climate summits. He’s also involved in various other organizations, such as the Cultural Institutions Retirement System; Represent.Us, which helped craft the American Anti-Corruption Act; and the Council on Foreign Relations.
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