Famous Veterans Pt.2: I bet you didn’t know this celebrity served
October 20, 2024
As a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and honoring our Military heroes, we find inspiration in the stories of those who have served their country with courage and then transitioned to careers in the public eye. In honor of Veterans Day, we thought it would be fun to highlight a few notable famous Veterans in this blog who have bravely worn the uniform and then journeyed from the barracks to fame in various industries!
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson’s military career began in 1942 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. He was initially assigned to a segregated cavalry unit at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he applied for Officer Candidate School (OCS). Despite facing racial discrimination, Robinson and other African American soldiers were eventually admitted to OCS after pressure from heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis and other allies. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1943, becoming one of the few Black officers in the Army at the time.
Robinson’s military service was marred by an incident of racial injustice in 1944 when he refused to move to the back of a segregated bus at Fort Hood, Texas. This act of defiance led to his arrest and court-martial. However, he was acquitted of all charges, thanks to the weak evidence and the support of sympathetic officers. The case highlighted the entrenched racism in the military but also showed Robinson’s steadfast character. He was honorably discharged in late 1944, just a few years before breaking baseball’s color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
If you want to learn more about Jackie Robinson and his incredible life, click here.
Bob Barker
Bob Barker, the longtime host of The Price Is Right, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After graduating from high school in 1941, Barker enrolled in Drury College (now Drury University) but put his education on hold to join the Navy as a pilot trainee. He was accepted into the Naval Aviation Program and trained as a fighter pilot, though he never saw combat. By the time his training was complete, the war was nearing its end, and Barker was stationed primarily in the United States.
Barker’s military experience instilled in him a sense of discipline and focus that he carried throughout his life and career. After the war, he returned to Drury College, completing his education with a degree in economics before pursuing a career in broadcasting. Barker later became known not only for his television success but also for his lifelong commitment to animal rights, a passion that reflected the same sense of duty and compassion he exhibited during his years of service.
To learn more about Bob Barker’s military career, click here.
James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones, the iconic actor known for his commanding voice, served in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating from the University of Michigan. Enrolling in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) during college, Jones was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation. He served during the Korean War era, though he was fortunate not to see combat. Instead, he was stationed in the U.S., where he contributed as part of a cold-weather training command in Colorado, preparing troops for potential operations in harsh climates.
During his service, Jones experienced the challenges of military life, but he credits the discipline and structure with helping him overcome personal struggles, including a speech impediment. Although his time in the Army was relatively short, it proved formative, helping shape the confidence that would later define his acting career. After leaving the military, Jones shifted his focus to theater, where his deep voice and commanding presence would make him a celebrated figure in film, television, and stage.
To learn more about James Earl Jones and his life, click here.
