Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#1) Oliver Stone

77

Oliver Stone served in Vietnam and made Platoon based on his experiences. He joined the United States Army in 1967, where he volunteered to be sent to fight in Vietnam. During his time there, he earned numerous awards such as the Bronze Star with "V" device for heroism in combat, and the Purple Heart medal. After leaving the military, he went on to pursue a career in filmmaking.

Clint Eastwood on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#2) Clint Eastwood

93

Clint Eastwood served in the US Army from 1951-1953 during the Korean War. He was initially assigned to an artillery unit in California before being sent overseas as a swimming instructor at Fort Ord, on Monterey Bay. He also worked as a lifeguard and boat operator for two years at Fort Ord's beach club, where he earned his nickname "Samson".

Elvis Presley on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#3) Elvis Presley

Passed at 42 (1935-1977)

Elvis Presley served in the US Army from 1958 to 1960. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas and Bad Nauheim, Germany, and achieved the rank of sergeant. During his time in service, he won several awards including a Good Conduct Medal and Marksman-Observer Badge with Rifle Bar. Elvis' military service also provided inspiration for many of his later songs.

Morgan Freeman on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#4) Morgan Freeman

86

Morgan Freeman served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959. During his time there, he worked as an Automatic Tracking Radar Repairman and attained the rank of Airman 1st Class. He was also stationed at several bases during his service, including Misawa Air Base in Japan.

Chuck Norris on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#5) Chuck Norris

83

Chuck Norris is a renowned actor and martial artist who served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. During his time in service, he was assigned to Osan Air Base, South Korea. While there, Chuck Norris became an expert at Tang Soo Do (a Korean martial art), which earned him several awards and recognitions for his skills as a fighter pilot.

Pat Sajak on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#6) Pat Sajak

76

Pat Sajak, best known for his role on the long-running game show "Wheel of Fortune", served as a disc jockey in Vietnam with the U.S. Army's Armed Forces Radio Service from 1968 to 1970. After being discharged, he went back to college and worked at various radio stations before getting his big break in television!

Jimi Hendrix on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#7) Jimi Hendrix

Passed at 28 (1942-1970)

Jimi Hendrix was a United States Army veteran. He served in the 101st Airborne Division from 1961 to 1962, but was discharged after only one year due to an ankle injury he sustained while parachuting. During his time in the military, he also worked as a paratrooper and played guitar on base for extra money.

Marvin Gaye on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#8) Marvin Gaye

Passed at 44 (1939-1984)

Marvin Gaye was drafted into the United States Air Force in 1956. During his time in the military, Marvin served as a basic airman and worked as an aerial gunner on KC-97 Stratofreighter aircraft. He also performed musical duties with a band called The Passionettes while stationed at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas.

Hugh Hefner on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#9) Hugh Hefner

Passed at 91(1926-2017)

Hugh Hefner served in the U.S. Army during World War II, primarily as a typist with the rank of sergeant at an army newspaper in Illinois and Missouri. After his military service, he went on to become one of the most famous faces of the 20th century, founding Playboy magazine and making it into an international brand name.

Bill Cosby on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#10) Bill Cosby

86

Bill Cosby served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1960. During his time enlisted, he was a Hospital Corpsman Third Class and specialized in physical therapy. He worked at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, caring for soldiers returning home after World War II. Cosby was also part of an Armed Forces Entertainment tour that performed stand-up comedy shows on ships throughout the Mediterranean Sea.

Johnny Carson on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#11) Johnny Carson

Passed at 80 (1925-2005)

Johnny Carson served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1945. He was assigned to the USS Pennsylvania and received a rating of radio man 3rd class. During his service, he worked as an announcer on Pacific Ocean-based Armed Forces Radio Service programs, including those broadcast on Hawaii's KGMB. After being discharged in 1945, Carson completed his education at the University of Nebraska with a degree in journalism.

Mr. T on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#12) Mr. T

71

Before becoming the icon we all know and love, Mr. T was a soldier in the military. He served as a U.S Army Military Police Corps from 1975 to 1976 at Fort McClellan in Alabama. During his time there he received an "outstanding" rating on his performance evaluation and earned an Expert Badge for Rifle Marksmanship during Basic Training!

Mel Brooks on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#13) Mel Brooks

97

Comedy director Mel Brooks served in the U.S. Army during WWII.

John Coltrane on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#14) John Coltrane

Passed at 40 (1926-1967)

Jazz musician John Coltrane enlisted in the U.S. Navy and played in the band.

Bob Barker on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#15) Bob Barker

Dec. at 99 (1923-2023)

Bob Barker was an American television game show host best known for hosting The Price is Right. Before his career in TV, Bob Barker served in the United States Navy during World War II. He worked as a fighter-directed talker and gunner's mate on board USS Missouri from 1942 to 1945. After his service, he returned home with numerous decorations including the American Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.

Johnny Cash on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#16) Johnny Cash

Passed at 71 (1932-2003)

Musician Johnny Cash enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

Shaggy on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#17) Shaggy

54

Shaggy, the Jamaican-American singer, served in the US Marine Corps for four years. He was a Field Artillery Cannon Crewmember and achieved the rank of Lance Corporal while serving. During his time in service he participated in Operation Desert Storm and also earned an award from NATO.

Tom Selleck on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#18) Tom Selleck

78

Tom Selleck is best known for his starring role in the hit 80s show Magnum PI, but many people don't know that he also served in the military. During the Vietnam War, Tom Selleck enlisted in the United States National Guard where he was a Corporal and earned an honorable discharge after six years of service.

Ice-T on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#19) Ice-T

60

Rapper and actor Ice-T joined the U.S. Army in 1979.

Sammy Davis, Jr. on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#20) Sammy Davis, Jr.

Passed at 64 (1925-1990)

Entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. served in the U.S. Army during WWII.

Steve McQueen on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#21) Steve McQueen

Passed at 50 (1930-1980)

Actor Steve McQueen served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

MC Hammer on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#22) MC Hammer

61

MC Hammer, born Stanley Kirk Burrell, was an active member of the United States Navy Reserve before he became a famous rapper. He joined in 1979 and served as an Aviation Storekeeper 3rd Class until 1983 when he left after being honorably discharged. During his service time, MC Hammer worked on Search and Rescue missions with the Seabees.

Ernest Hemingway on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#23) Ernest Hemingway

Passed at 61 (1899-1961)

Author Ernest Hemingway served as an ambulance driver for the American Red Cross in WWI.

Paul Newman on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#24) Paul Newman

Passed at 83 (1925-2008)

Cool Hand Luke star Paul Newman served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

Richard Pryor on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#25) Richard Pryor

Passed at 65 (1940-2005)

Richard Pryor served in the U.S. Army for two years, but he spent most of that time in army prison.

Nate Dogg on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#26) Nate Dogg

Passed at 42 (1969-2011)

Rapper Nate Dogg served for three years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Vincent Pastore on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#27) Vincent Pastore

77

Vincent Pastore enlisted as a sailor in the United States Navy and then attended Pace University for three years

James Earl Jones on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#28) James Earl Jones

92

Field of Dreams actor James Earl Jones, known around the world for his voice of Star Wars' Darth Vader, served in Korea.

Mickey Rooney on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#29) Mickey Rooney

Passed at 93 (1920-2014)

Actor Mickey Rooney served in the U.S. Army during WWII.

Montel Williams on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#30) Montel Williams

67

Talk show host Montel Williams first served in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating high school and then graduated from the Naval Academy.

James Stewart on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#31) James Stewart

Passed at 89 (1908-1997)

It's a Wonderful Life star James Stewart was rejected from the U.S. Army when he was first drafted because he didn't meet the weight requirement. He then worked out, bulking up enough to enlist in the Army Air Corps.

William Sanderson on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#32) William Sanderson

75

William Sanderson served in the U.S. Army.

Jesse Ventura on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#33) Jesse Ventura

72

Former politician and professional wrestler Jesse Ventura served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam.

Don Rickles on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#34) Don Rickles

Passed at 90 (1926-2017)

Casino star and comedian Don Rickles served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

Charlton Heston on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#35) Charlton Heston

Passed at 84 (1923-2008)

Ben Hur star Charlton Heston served in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII.

Kirk Douglas on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#36) Kirk Douglas

Dec. at 103 (1916-2020)

Actor Kirk Douglas, father to Michael Douglas, served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

Adam Driver on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#37) Adam Driver

39

After the 9/11 attacks, Girls and Star Wars actor Adam Driver joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served for two years and eight months before being medically discharged.

Jamie Farr on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#38) Jamie Farr

89

M*A*S*H star Jamie Farr served in the U.S. Army.

Bob Newhart on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#39) Bob Newhart

94

Comedian Bob Newhart was drafted to the U.S. Army and served in Korea.

Henry Fonda on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#40) Henry Fonda

Passed at 77 (1905-1982)

Actor Henry Fonda served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

Sinbad on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#41) Sinbad

66

Comedian Sinbad served in the U.S. Air Force and regularly performed his stand-up routine during this time.

Ernest Borgnine on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#42) Ernest Borgnine

Passed at 95 (1917-2012)

Actor Ernest Borgnine served in the U.S. Navy for a total of 10 years.

Humphrey Bogart on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#43) Humphrey Bogart

Passed at 57 (1899-1957)

Casablanca star Humphrey Bogart served in the U.S. Navy.

Robert Duvall on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#44) Robert Duvall

92

Apocalypse Now actor served in Korea as a soldier of the U.S. Army.

Gene Hackman on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#45) Gene Hackman

93

French Connection actor Gene Hackman served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Alan Alda on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#46) Alan Alda

87

M*A*S*H star Alan Alda was a member of the ROTC and served in the Army Reserve.

Kurt Vonnegut on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#47) Kurt Vonnegut

Passed at 84 (1922-2007)

Author Kurt Vonnegut recalled his experience as a WWII POW in his novel Slaughterhouse Five.

Jack Lemmon on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#48) Jack Lemmon

Passed at 76 (1925-2001)

The Odd Couple actor Jack Lemmon joined the U.S. Navy before finishing college.

Danny Aiello on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#49) Danny Aiello

Dec. at 86 (1933-2019)

Actor Danny Aiello enlisted in the U.S. Army.

Harry Belafonte on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#50) Harry Belafonte

91

Singer Harry Belafonte served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

Kris Kristofferson on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#51) Kris Kristofferson

87

Actor Kris Kristofferson joined the US Army and became a helicopter pilot.

Dennis Franz on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#52) Dennis Franz

78

"NYPD Blue" actor Dennis Franz was drafted to the US Army during the Vietnam War.

Tony Curtis on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#53) Tony Curtis

Dec. at 85 (1925-2010)

"Some Like it Hot" actor Tony Curtis served in the US Navy during World War II.

Leonard Nimoy on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#54) Leonard Nimoy

Dec. at 83 (1931-2015)

"Star Trek" actor Leonard Nimoy served in the US Army.

Brian Dennehy on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#55) Brian Dennehy

Dec. at 81 (1938-2020)

Actor Brian Dennehy served in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

James Garner on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#56) James Garner

Dec. at 86 (1928-2014)

"The Notebook" actor James Garner joined the National Guard and served in the Army during the Korean War.

Roy Scheider on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#57) Roy Scheider

Dec. at 75 (1932-2008)

"Jaws" actor Roy Scheider served in the US Air Force.

Benny Hill on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#58) Benny Hill

Dec. at 68 (1924-1992)

Comedian Benny Hill served in the combined entertainment services division in World War II.

Carl Reiner on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#59) Carl Reiner

96

"Dick Van Dyke" star Carl Reiner served in the US Army during World War II.

Don Knotts on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#60) Don Knotts

Dec. at 81 (1924-2006)

"Andy Griffith Show" actor Don Knotts joined the US Army.

Jerry Garcia on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#61) Jerry Garcia

Dec. at 53 (1942-1995)

Grateful Dead co-founder Jerry Garcia served in the US Army.

Fred Willard on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#62) Fred Willard

84

"Best in Show" actor Fred Willard served in the US Army.

Bob Feller on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#63) Bob Feller

Dec. at 92 (1918-2010)

Baseball star Bob Feller served in the US Navy during World War II.

Sidney Poitier on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#64) Sidney Poitier

Dec. at 94 (1927-2022)

Actor Sidney Poitier served in the US Army.

Canibus on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#65) Canibus

48

Rapper Canibus served in the US Army.

Gene Wilder on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#66) Gene Wilder

Dec. at 83 (1933-2016)

"Willy Wonka" star Gene Wilder was drafted into the US Army.

Drew Carey on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#67) Drew Carey

65

Comedian Drew Carey served in the US Marine Corps Reserve.

Art Carney on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#68) Art Carney

Dec. at 85 (1918-2003)

"Honeymooners" actor Art Carney served in World War II and was injured in the battle of Normandy.

Tony Bennett on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#69) Tony Bennett

Dec. at 96 (1926-2023)

Singer Tony Bennett was drafted to the US Army and served during World War II.

J.R. Martinez on Random Celebrities Who Served In The Military

(#70) J.R. Martinez

40

Actor J.R. Martinez served in the US Army and was severely burned on over 34 percent of his body. He began his acting career after his Army experience.