Lots of people talking in various posts about HfH, Guinea worn, and so on, but one of my favorite stories about him is how seriously he took the threat of nuclear war. When he arrived in office, he asked for results of nuclear attack drills conducted by civilian agencies, especially the White House. There were none. Most people didn't even know where they were supposed to go or who they were supposed to call. He was flabbergasted.

So in February 1977, just a few weeks into office, he ordered a zero-notice midnight drill. It failed miserably. A few weeks later, he ordered another one. And another a few weeks later, and so on. Eventually, there was improvement, and he slowed the rate once they got sufficiently under the target times for his satisfaction. This whole thing undoubtedly stemmed from his time on subs.

Since then, every president has ordered random drills to ensure there was a suitable government after a nuclear strike. But he set the standard.