Remembering the Military Service of Celebrity Patriots

From Elvis Presley to Morgan Freeman, many beloved celebrities have served their country in the armed forces. Here's a look at a few stars who left their mark both on and off the battlefield.

Elvis Presley, the iconic "King of Rock and Roll," was not only a musical legend but also a military veteran. Drafted into the Army in 1958, Presley spent two years serving in Germany as a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 133.60, Armor Intelligence Specialist.

Despite his fame, Presley faced concerns about losing his hard-earned stardom. However, he remained hopeful that his fans would not forget him. Fortunately, Presley's fears proved unfounded, and he returned from the military to an even greater level of popularity.

Remembering the Military Service of Celebrity Patriots

Before becoming the beloved host of "Wheel of Fortune," Pat Sajak served as a disc jockey in the Army during the Vietnam War. Initially assigned as a finance clerk, Sajak was later given the opportunity to entertain troops with his musical skills.

In an essay written for the USO, Sajak expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to provide comfort to those serving in the field. He also recounted an embarrassing incident in which he cut off President Nixon's first holiday speech to the nation early, mistakenly believing it was over.

Remembering the Military Service of Celebrity Patriots

Bea Arthur, known for her role as Dorothy Zbornak in "The Golden Girls," made history when she joined the Marine Corps in 1943, just days after the Marine Corps began recruiting women. Arthur's decision to enlist was inspired by the slogan "Be a Marine...Free a Man to Fight."

Arthur kept her veteran status a secret for many years, even denying it once during an interview. However, her service is a testament to the courage and determination of women who served their country.

Remembering the Military Service of Celebrity Patriots

Legendary actor Sidney Poitier had a tumultuous journey into the Army during World War II. After leaving the Bahamas at the age of 15 and encountering trouble with the law in Miami, Poitier lied about his age to join the Army.

While serving in a hospital, Poitier witnessed horrific scenes that left him deeply disturbed. In an effort to escape, he feigned mental illness and was eventually discharged. However, he later came clean to a psychiatrist and was honorably discharged.

Remembering the Military Service of Celebrity Patriots

As a young man of 18, Tony Bennett was drafted into the Army and sent to the front lines during World War II. His most memorable experience was the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp in Germany.

Bennett described the haunting images of emaciated prisoners as they wandered aimlessly around the campgrounds. The horrors he witnessed transformed his life and left an indelible mark on his heart.

Remembering the Military Service of Celebrity Patriots

Actor Adam Driver was deeply affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Inspired to serve his country, he enlisted in the Marines in 2002. Driver trained as a mortarman and served honorably for two years.

In his 2015 Ted Talk, Driver expressed his pride in his military service and the camaraderie he forged with fellow Marines. His experience in the Marines has influenced his acting and his perspective on life.

Remembering the Military Service of Celebrity Patriots

Clint Eastwood's military service began in 1951 when he was drafted into the Army to fight in the Korean War. However, instead of being deployed to the front lines, Eastwood served as a swimming instructor at Fort Ord.

Eastwood embraced this assignment, enjoying the relatively comfortable conditions compared to his fellow soldiers. He was honorably discharged in 1953, the same year the Korean War ended.

Remembering the Military Service of Celebrity Patriots

Facing up to 10 years in jail for riding in a stolen car, Jimi Hendrix struck a deal with the district attorney: enlist in the Army or face imprisonment. Hendrix chose the former and served for 13 months before being honorably discharged due to an ankle injury.

Despite his short time in the military, Hendrix's experience as a supply clerk and paratrooper provided inspiration for some of his later musical compositions.

Remembering the Military Service of Celebrity Patriots

Johnny Cash's military service began in 1950 when he enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 18. During his four-year stint in Germany, Cash penned many of his classic songs, including "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Hey Porter."

As a Morse code intercept operator, Cash used his military experiences to craft authentic and poignant lyrics that resonated with listeners worldwide.

Remembering the Military Service of Celebrity Patriots

After graduating high school, Morgan Freeman joined the Air Force in 1955. Aspiring to become a pilot, Freeman eventually became an airman first class. However, after considering his true passion, he left the military in 1959 to pursue a career in acting.

Freeman's time in the Air Force helped shape his character and discipline, traits that have served him well throughout his illustrious career.

Remembering the Military Service of Celebrity Patriots