Barkley, Alben William (1877-1956), served as vice president of the United States from 1949 to 1953 under President Harry S. Truman. As vice president, Barkley showed great skill in presiding over the U.S. Senate. He enjoyed the personal confidence of Truman, and was known throughout the nation as The Veep. He was the first vice president to sit on the National Security Council and to assist officially in formulating policy for the president's consideration.