57 FWIW.
My father and my father-in-law were WWII combat purple heart vets. Republicans later, but they didn't slam their CINC.
My mother's family traces their Republican roots to the abolition days, and they were strongly Republicans during WWII, but nonetheless they respected FDR.
Oh, and I was 16 years old when Goldwater ran, my family supported him. My mother went to the same high school and college as Richard Nixon. I had to wait until age 24 to vote since voting at 18 had not yet passed. I was for Nixon in 1968.
Governor Reagan was a favorite here in California, which didn't take 2nd place to anywhere, as far as "conservatism" in the 60s, 70s, 80s.
Those of us on the political right knew the philosophy well. We witnessed Reagan "sell" his political ideas. We were thrilled when he won, thrilled when his stuff mostly worked well.
You were 6 years old when Goldwater ran, by the way.