When any freedom-loving American sees a soldier, they can't help but swell up with pride and respect for the brave men or women who willingly put their lives on the line to ensure our freedoms.
But did you know that America's most famous stars once served in the military? Some of the most famous "A-listers" once put their lives on the line in defense of our great nation! Some of these celebrities I already knew about, but there were more than a few thrown in there that really surprised me! Especially #9 and #10!
These celebrity heroes went through all the heartache and homesickness that the soldiers of today went through. And, like the start of the amazing video of a soldier returning to his faithful pet pooch, all of these soldiers had someone that they left back home. We're certainly glad that they all got back safe and sound!
Some of them were stars before they enlisted, and some of them became famous after their tours of duty. No matter what, they're all heroes!
Please SHARE these celebrity veterans with all of your friends and family!
1. Leonard Nimoy (1953–1955)
Before he ever donned his Starfleet uniform, a young Nimoy rose up the ranks to Sergeant at Ft. McPherson in Georgia.
2. Johnny Cash (1950–1954)
Thanks to his musical abilities, Cash was incredibly skilled at Morse code. He even learned how to decipher secret Russian Morse code messages!
3. Drew Carey (1980–1986)
When he wasn't busy doing push-ups, this comedian performed standup in his spare time to entertain his fellow troops.
4. Clint Eastwood (1951–1953)
During the Korean war, the "feelin' lucky" actor was a swimming instructor at Ft. Ord.
5. Paul Newman (1943–1945)
During WWII, the famous actor worked as a radioman for the Navy.
6. Jimi Hendrix (1961–1962)
Not exactly a model soldier, though he did manage to complete paratrooper training. His constant guitar-playing angered his fellow soldiers. He was eventually honorably discharged for "unsuitability."
7. Charlton Heston (1944–1946)
The former president of the NRA learned the importance of guns when he served bravely in WWII aboard a B-25 Mitchell!
8. Rob Riggle (1990–2013)
The SNL comedian served as Lt. Colonel in the Marine Corps for over twenty years!
9. Bob Ross (1961–1981)
Most famous for his popular television program The Joy of Painting, where he taught the nation how to paint "Happy Trees." This mellow artist spent 20 years of his life as a drill sergeant, screaming at new Air Force recruits in Alaska. Most of his paintings were inspired by his time in the Air Force.
10. Bea Arthur (1943–1945)
When the Golden Girl found out that enlistments for women were open, she decided she had to join. She served as a typist for the Marines.
11. Jimmy Stewart (1941–1968)
Stewart was the first major American actor to join the war effort. The highly decorated pilot even acted as squad leader in many bombing runs over Nazi Germany.
12. Elvis Presley (1958–1960)
Elvis impressed everyone when he joined two years after "Hound Dog" shot him to stardom. It was while serving in Germany that the singer met his wife, Priscilla.
