Beyond the Limelight: 15 Celebrities Who Bravely Served in the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War, a conflict that deeply scarred the American psyche and reshaped a generation, stands as one of the most divisive chapters in the nation’s history. Millions of young men answered the call to serve, whether through the draft or voluntary enlistment, stepping into a crucible that would forever alter their paths. What’s often overlooked, however, is the surprising number of individuals who would later rise to prominence in Hollywood, music, and sports, or were already on their way, who first wore a military uniform during this turbulent era.

These are not just stories of soldiers, but of future legends whose experiences in the jungles, on the seas, or in the air, irrevocably shaped their perspectives, informed their art, and in many cases, provided the resilience needed to achieve extraordinary success. From harrowing combat tours to essential support roles, their journeys through the Vietnam War offer a compelling glimpse into the diverse ways this conflict touched lives, leaving invisible scars and indelible marks of bravery that few in the public eye would ever truly comprehend. Join us as we uncover the fascinating, often untold, tales of these celebrities who traded early fame for service, forever entwined with one of history’s most complex conflicts.

1. **Oliver Stone**Kicking off our exploration is a name synonymous with visceral, unflinching portrayals of the Vietnam War: Oliver Stone. Long before he became an Oscar-winning director, Stone requested combat duty upon enlisting with the US Army in 1967. He was assigned to 2nd Platoon, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Regiment, stationed along the Cambodian-South Vietnam border, where he experienced frequent and brutal combat against enemy soldiers.

His time in Vietnam was fraught with peril, including a harrowing incident where he narrowly escaped death. During one patrol, he and his comrades were ambushed by a large contingent of North Vietnamese Army (NVA) troops. A McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II dropped a 500-pound bomb alarmingly close to his position, and if not for a nearby foxhole, he “likely would have perished,” as he himself recounted.

For his unwavering service and bravery in Vietnam, Stone was rightfully awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for Valor, commendations that speak volumes about the dangers he faced. Upon his return to the US, his experiences became the foundation for a distinguished filmmaking career, culminating in his renowned Vietnam trilogy: “Platoon” (1986), “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989), and “Heaven & Earth” (1993), films that helped a nation process its collective trauma.

Stone’s profound understanding of the conflict, born from personal sacrifice, also made him a go-to resource. He later told students at San Diego State University, “I felt like I had to go to this war to understand it. I had to go back. I had already seen a bit of it from the fringes, but I went right into the heart of it in ’67.” This dedication to truth, forged in fire, is evident in every frame of his acclaimed work.

Military equipment: Oliver Stone
Name: Oliver Stone
Caption: Stone in 2016
Birthname: William Oliver Stone
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Yorkville, Manhattan
AlmaMater: Yale University,New York University
Occupation: Film director,screenwriter,producer,author
YearsActive: 1971–present
Spouse: [object Object]
Children: Sean Stone
Awards: List of awards and nominations received by Oliver Stone
Module: Infobox military person
Embed: true
Allegiance: United States
Branch: File:Flag of the United States Army with border.png,United States Army,File:Usmm-seal.png,United States Merchant Marine
Serviceyears: 1966 (Merchant Marine),1967–1973 (Army)
Unit: File:Flag of the United States Army 25th Infantry Division.svg,25th Infantry Division (United States),File:1st Cavalry Division CSIB.png,1st Cavalry Division (United States)
Battles: Vietnam War
Categories: 1946 births, 20th-century American screenwriters, 21st-century American Buddhists, 21st-century American male writers, 21st-century American non-fiction writers
Summary: William Oliver Stone (born (1946-09-15)September 15, 1946) is an American filmmaker. Stone is an acclaimed director, tackling subjects ranging from the Vietnam War and American politics to musical biopics and crime dramas. He has received numerous accolades including three Academy Awards and a BAFTA Award, as well as a Primetime Emmy Award and five Golden Globe Awards. Stone was born in New York City and later briefly attended Yale University. In 1967, Stone enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served from 1967 to 1968 in the 25th Infantry and 1st Cavalry Divisions and was twice wounded in action. For his service, he received military honors including a Bronze Star with “V” Device for valor, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster (to denote two wounds), an Air Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. His service in Vietnam became the foundation for the stark portrayals of war and its aftermath in his work. Stone began his career as a screenwriter for films such as for Midnight Express (1978), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, Conan the Barbarian (1982) and Scarface (1983). He then rose to prominence as writer and director of the Vietnam War film dramas Platoon (1986) and Born on the Fourth of July (1989), receiving Academy Awards for Best Director for both films, the former of which also won Best Picture. He also directed Salvador (1986), Wall Street (1987) and its sequel Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010), The Doors (1991), JFK (1991), Heaven & Earth (1993), Natural Born Killers (1994), Nixon (1995), Any Given Sunday (1999), W. (2008) and Snowden (2016). Collectively, his films have grossed $1.3 billion worldwide. Many of Stone’s films focus on controversial American political issues during the late 20th century, and as such were considered contentious at the times of their releases. Stone has been critical of the American foreign policy, which he considers to be driven by nationalist and imperialist agendas. Like his subject matter, Stone is a controversial figure in American filmmaking, with some critics accusing him of promoting conspiracy theories.

Get more information about: Oliver Stone

“Reunião mensal do Fórum Nacional de Infância e da Juventude (FONINJ)” by Conselho Nacional de Justiça – CNJ is licensed under CC BY 2.0

2. **Richard Chaves**Richard Chaves, instantly recognizable to many as Staff Sgt. Jorge “Poncho” Ramírez from the iconic 1987 film “Predator,” had a real-life military background that mirrored the intensity of his on-screen roles. Growing up in a military family, with his father serving as an officer in the US Marine Corps, Chaves’ decision to enlist in the US Army in 1970 when he received a low draft number was almost a natural progression. He was assigned to the 196th Infantry Brigade as an infantryman and deployed directly to Vietnam.

His deployment deeply impacted him, echoing sentiments shared by many veterans. In a 1989 interview with Starlog magazine, Chaves reflected, “Sometimes, you remember things you wish you didn’t. You did what you were told. The war would have been over much quicker, but they wouldn’t let us do it the right way. We didn’t have any say.” This candid honesty underscores the complex feelings many who served held about the conflict.

The war wasn’t just a chapter in his life; it became a defining theme for his early acting career. Following his discharge as a Specialist 4, Chaves co-wrote and starred in “Tracers,” a hit play about Vietnam veterans based on their own experiences. He proudly stated that “Everybody came to see the play, Stanley Kubrick, Jon Voight, Oliver Stone. I’ve been told by these people that our play influenced all subsequent movies about Vietnam.”

Even on the set of “Predator,” Chaves found himself transported back to his combat days. He recalled, “When we were out there in the jungle, it was just like being back in Vietnam, for the most part, both physically and emotionally.” His authentic experience brought a unique depth to his character, making his portrayal of a seasoned soldier all the more compelling and real to audiences.

Military equipment: Richard Chaves
Caption: Frances Fisher
Name: Richard Chaves
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Florida
YearsActive: 1981–present
Occupation: Actor
Categories: 1951 births, All BLP articles lacking sources, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, American male film actors, American male soap opera actors
Summary: Richard Chaves ( CHAH-vez; born October 9, 1951) is an American actor. He is best known for his portrayal of Poncho in the science fiction film Predator and as Lieutenant Colonel Ironhorse in the television series War of the Worlds.

Get more information about: Richard Chaves

“Sean Connery as James Bond at Switzerland 1964 (two thirds crop)” by Unknown authorUnknown author – Comet Photo AG (Zürich) is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

3. **James Avery**For a generation, James Avery will forever be remembered as the stern yet loving Uncle Phil on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” However, before his memorable turn as one of television’s most recognizable celebrities, Avery served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. His enlistment came shortly after his high school graduation, and he was deployed overseas from 1968-69.

Surprisingly, very little public information exists about the specifics of Avery’s military service. It’s known that he enlisted seemingly on a whim after a disagreement with his mother, stating to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, “…because I didn’t like people giving me orders, being the brilliant 18-year-old that I was, I joined the military. Don’t even ask me why. And I was in the service for four years.” This impulsive decision might have had an unexpected upside.

In an interview shared by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Avery revealed a surprising twist: “I joined the Navy. It was a good thing I did because two weeks after I was in boot camp a letter came to my mother saying I was drafted into the Army. I dodged that bullet.” This anecdote highlights the unpredictable nature of service assignments during the war and the potential life-saving difference between branches.

Despite the scarcity of official details, rumors persisted about his involvement in covert operations in Laos and Cambodia, and even during the intense Tet Offensive. While Avery himself was generally private about his war experiences, a producer who worked with him later recounted on his blog that the actor would share stories of his time in Vietnam between takes on set, suggesting the profound impact it had on him.

Military equipment: James Avery
Name: James Avery
Caption: Avery in 2001
BirthName: James La Rue Avery
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Pughsville, Virginia
DeathDate: [object Object]
DeathPlace: Glendale, California
Occupation: Actor
YearsActive: 1978–2013
Spouse: [object Object]
Categories: 1945 births, 2013 deaths, 20th-century African-American male actors, 20th-century African-American writers, 20th-century American male actors
Summary: James La Rue Avery (November 27, 1945 – December 31, 2013) was an American actor. He was best known for his roles as Philip Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Judge Michael Conover on L.A. Law, Steve Yeager in The Brady Bunch Movie, and Dr. Crippen on The Closer (2005–2007); and as the voice actor for Shredder in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Haroud Hazi Bin in Aladdin.

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4. **Dennis Franz**Dennis Franz, celebrated for his Emmy-winning portrayal of Detective Andy Sipowicz on “NYPD Blue,” made a pivotal decision after earning his theater degree in 1968: he signed up to fight in Vietnam. What began as a “curiosity about the military service,” as he told Military.com, quickly transformed into an “extremely traumatic, life-changing experience” during his eleven-month deployment overseas.

Franz served with not one, but two of the US Army’s most famed divisions: the 101st Airborne Division and the 82nd Airborne. During his time in Vietnam, he and his comrades frequently experienced combat, leaving an indelible mark on his psyche. He later spoke candidly about these horrors, saying, “I’m not as frivolous as I once was. I experienced death over there, and losing friends. I got as close to being shot as I care to. I could feel and hear bullets whizzing over my head, and that shakes you up quite a bit.”

The Tet Offensive, one of the most intense periods of fighting during the war, occurred during his tour, meaning Franz witnessed some of the conflict’s worst moments. His mixed feelings about the war even led him to consider going AWOL at one point, but the immediate threat of combat altered his perspective. He explained to Tom Snyder on “The Late Late Show” in 1997, “You just want to be out of the situation… And the only way to get out of it is to shoot back and make somebody stop and let me get out of it.”

His wartime experiences undeniably contributed to the depth and gravitas he brought to his acting roles, particularly to the complex character of Andy Sipowicz. The visceral understanding of trauma, loss, and the fight for survival that Franz gained in Vietnam undeniably enriched his ability to portray powerful, realistic characters on screen.

Military equipment: Dennis Franz
Caption: Franz in 2008
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthName: Dennis Franz Schlachta
BirthPlace: Maywood, Illinois
AlmaMater: Wilbur Wright College,Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Occupation: Actor
YearsActive: 1978–2005
Spouse: [object Object]
Module: Infobox military person
Embed: true
Allegiance: United States
Branch: United States Army
Serviceyears: 1968-1969
Unit: 82nd Airborne Division,101st Airborne Division
Battles: Vietnam War
Categories: 1944 births, 20th-century American male actors, 21st-century American male actors, All BLP articles lacking sources, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: Dennis Franz Schlachta (; born October 28, 1944), known professionally as Dennis Franz, is an American retired actor best known for his role as NYPD Detective Andy Sipowicz in the ABC television series NYPD Blue (1993–2005), a role that earned him a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards and four Primetime Emmy Awards. He also portrayed two different characters on the similar NBC series Hill Street Blues (1983, 1985–1987) and its short-lived spinoff, Beverly Hills Buntz (1987–1988).

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5. **Harris Hurley Haywood**Harris Hurley Haywood, a name synonymous with American motorsport, faced a stark interruption to his burgeoning racing career when he received his draft notice for the Vietnam War. Despite his family having the influence to potentially help him avoid service, Haywood chose to accept his call to duty. He was drafted in 1970 and subsequently shipped overseas to serve in the US Army.

Haywood was assigned to the 164th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, and served near Saigon, reaching the rank of Specialist 4. While deployed, his passion for racing remained a constant, telling Men’s Health, “I spent most of my tour telling everyone how I wanted to get back home and drive race cars.” This unwavering focus on his future highlights the personal sacrifices many made during the war.

Remarkably, Haywood attributes much of his later racing success to the skills he honed during his military service. In an interview with the Department of Defense, he explained how the ability to “adapt to change” was a critical lesson learned in Vietnam, a skill directly transferable to the dynamic environment of a race car. “If you get too locked into one thing, you’re not going to be able to react quickly enough. That part was hugely beneficial to me on the professional side,” he stated.

Indeed, his return to the States in 1971 saw him race with what he considered “a huge advantage over my peers at that point because they didn’t have that experience.” This unique perspective allowed him to become one of the most successful racing drivers in the United States, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times, five 24 Hours of Daytona titles, and two 12 Hours of Sebring victories, cementing a legacy that was, in part, forged in the crucible of war.

Military equipment: Hurley Haywood
Name: Hurley Haywood
Caption: Haywood in 1994
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Chicago, Illinois
RecordTemplate1: Infobox Le Mans driver
Child: true
Years: 1977–1983, 1985–1987, 1990–1991, 1993–1994
BestFinish: 1977 24 Hours of Le Mans,1983 24 Hours of Le Mans,1994 24 Hours of Le Mans
ClassWins: 1977 24 Hours of Le Mans,1983 24 Hours of Le Mans,1994 24 Hours of Le Mans
Categories: 12 Hours of Sebring drivers, 1948 births, 20th-century American sportsmen, 24 Hours of Daytona drivers, 24 Hours of Le Mans drivers
Summary: Harris Hurley Haywood (born May 4, 1948) is an American former race car driver. Haywood has won multiple events, including five overall victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona, three at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and two at the 12 Hours of Sebring and was the fifth driver to complete the informal triple Crown of endurance racing. He is credited with the 1988 Trans-Am title, two IMSA GT Championship titles and 23 wins, three Norelco Cup championships, a SuperCar title and five IndyCar starts. Haywood won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1977 (Porsche 936), 1983 (Porsche 956) and 1994 (Dauer 962 Le Mans) and is tied as the most successful driver at the 24 Hours of Daytona with five wins (1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, and 1991). He won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1973 and 1981. He also drove in the 1980 Indianapolis 500 finishing eighteenth. He represented IMSA four times in the International Race of Champions (1986, 1989, 1992, 1995). In 1970, he was drafted into the army where he served as Specialist 4 with the 164th Aviation Group near Saigon during the Vietnam War. After completing his tour of duty, he won his first IMSA GT title in 1971. After Peter H. Gregg’s death, Haywood was a spokesperson and executive with Brumos Automotive dealerships. Haywood is the honorary chief driving instructor at the Porsche Track Experience, held at the Barber Motorsports Park outside Birmingham, Alabama. Patrick Dempsey produced a documentary film, Hurley, about Haywood’s life. In honor of his historical achievements, he was invited to perform the ceremonial duties of Grand Marshal at the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Get more information about: Hurley Haywood

6. **Jesse Ventura**Before his polarizing career as a professional wrestler, actor, and politician, Jesse Ventura, born James George Janos, was a member of Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) 12. His military lineage was strong, with both his parents being veterans of the Second World War, making his enlistment in the US military a somewhat expected path for him.

Ventura served from 1969-75, a period during which he underwent Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) school. However, his claim to be a Navy SEAL has often drawn criticism, as he never completed the additional 26 weeks of training required to officially earn the SEAL designation. Ventura’s rationale for his claim stems from the UDTs being integrated with SEAL teams after the conflict, a detail that adds a layer of complexity to his service narrative.

Despite his extensive training and six years of service, Ventura famously never saw combat during his deployment. Following his discharge from the Navy, he launched a highly successful career in professional wrestling, where his formidable physique and audacious persona made him a superstar. This led to acting roles, and eventually, a surprising foray into politics, culminating in his election as governor of Minnesota.

Ventura’s military service, while not combat-intensive, undeniably contributed to his disciplined demeanor and the larger-than-life persona that characterized his public life. Although he later faced widespread negative attention for his lawsuit against Chris Kyle, an Iraq War veteran, his time in the UDT remains a significant, albeit debated, part of his pre-fame story.

Military equipment: Jesse Ventura
Name: Jesse Ventura
Caption: Ventura in 2024
Order: Governor of Minnesota
TermStart: January 4, 1999
TermEnd: January 6, 2003
Lieutenant: Mae Schunk
Predecessor: Arne Carlson
Successor: Tim Pawlenty
Office1: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
TermStart1: January 11, 1991
TermEnd1: January 13, 1995
Predecessor1: James Krautkremer
Successor1: Grace Arbogast
BirthName: James George Janos
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Minneapolis
Occupation: Politician,actor,professional wrestler,television presenter,author,commentator
Residence: Los Cabos Municipality,Baja California Sur
Party: Independent politician
Otherparty: Independence Party of Minnesota,Reform Party of the United States of America
Education: North Hennepin Community College
Allegiance: USA
Branch: United States Navy
Serviceyears: 1969–1975
Rank: File:PO3 collar.png,Petty officer third class
Battles: Vietnam War
Mawards: File:National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg,National Defense Service Medal
Module: Infobox professional wrestler
Child: true
Names: Jesse “The Body” Ventura
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 245 lb
Billed: San Diego, California,Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Trainer: Eddie Sharkey
Debut: 1974
Retired: 1986
Website: www.wwe.com/superstars/jesseventura|WWE.com profile
Spouse: [object Object]
Children: 2
Module2: Listen
Embed: true
Title: Jesse Ventura’s voice
Description: Talks at Google
Categories: 1951 births, 20th-century American male actors, 20th-century American male writers, 20th-century American memoirists, 20th-century American professional wrestlers
Summary: Jesse Ventura (born James George Janos; July 15, 1951) is an American politician, political commentator, actor, media personality, and retired professional wrestler. After achieving fame in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), he served as the 38th governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003. He was elected governor with the Reform Party and is the party’s only candidate to win a major government office. Ventura was a member of the United States Navy Underwater Demolition Team during the Vietnam War. After leaving the military, he embarked on a professional wrestling career as a heel from 1975 to 1986, taking the ring name “Jesse ‘the Body’ Ventura.” He had a lengthy tenure in the WWF/WWE as a performer and color commentator and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2004. In addition to wrestling, Ventura pursued an acting career, appearing in films such as Predator and The Running Man. Ventura entered politics in 1991 when he was elected mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, a position he held until 1995. He was the Reform Party candidate in the 1998 Minnesota gubernatorial election, running a low-budget campaign centered on grassroots events and unusual advertising that urged citizens not to “vote for politics as usual”. Initially ignored as a novelty candidate, Ventura defeated both the Democratic and the Republican nominee, a major upset. Amid internal fights for control over the party, Ventura left the Reform Party a year after taking office and served the remainder of his term as a member of the Independence Party of Minnesota. Since holding public office, Ventura has referred to himself as a “statesman” instead of a politician. As governor, Ventura oversaw reforms of Minnesota’s property tax as well as the state’s first sales tax rebate. Other initiatives he took included construction of the METRO Blue Line light rail in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area and income tax cuts. Ventura did not run for reelection. After leaving office in 2003, he became a visiting fellow at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He has since hosted a number of political television shows on RT America and Ora TV, and written several books. Ventura has been a prominent figure in third-party politics, having repeatedly floated the idea of running for President of the United States as an independent candidate. In late April 2020, Ventura endorsed the Green Party in the 2020 presidential election and showed interest in running for its nomination. He officially joined the Green Party of Minnesota on May 2. On May 7, he confirmed he would not run. The Green Party of Alaska nominated Ventura, without his involvement, causing the national Green Party to disassociate itself from the Alaska party for abandoning the national party’s nominee, Howie Hawkins. In the 2024 presidential election, Ventura endorsed the Democratic ticket of Kamala Harris for president and fellow Minnesota governor Tim Walz for vice president.

Get more information about: Jesse Ventura

7. **Dale Dye**Dale Dye epitomizes the career military man who later brought authentic combat experience to Hollywood. Before he founded Warriors, Inc., a technical advisory company dedicated to realistic military portrayals, Dye was a hardened US Marine Corps veteran with three tours in South Vietnam under his belt. His interest in the military ignited early, inspired by stories of the Battle of Iwo Jima, a commitment he made to himself at a young age.

Dye’s unit was among the first deployed to Vietnam, and his keen observational skills quickly earned him a recommendation to become a combat correspondent. In this dangerous role, he wasn’t just reporting; he was actively participating. He covered the pivotal Tet Offensive and accompanied the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment during Operation Ford, witnessing intense engagements with the NVA firsthand.

His bravery in the field was unquestionable. During one particularly fierce skirmish, Dye exemplified courage by taking the place of a fallen assistant machine gunner, exposing himself directly to enemy fire. By the end of the conflict, he had participated in an astonishing 31 combat missions and received numerous decorations, including the Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V,” a testament to his valor.

After Vietnam, Dye continued his distinguished service, including a deployment to Beirut in 1982-83, before retiring. His unique blend of real-world combat expertise and a deep understanding of military culture led him to Hollywood. There, he became an indispensable consultant and actor, ensuring productions like “Saving Private Ryan” (1998) and “Band of Brothers” (2001) captured the brutal realities of war with unmatched fidelity, sharing his indelible experiences with millions.

Continuing our deep dive into the extraordinary lives of those who traded the path to stardom for the call of duty, we now turn to eight more remarkable individuals whose Vietnam-era service forged them in ways both subtle and profound. From navigating the complexities of non-combat roles to facing the raw realities of the front lines, these celebrities’ experiences illuminate the diverse tapestry of military service during one of America’s most challenging conflicts, shaping their future contributions to entertainment, politics, and veteran advocacy.

Military equipment: Dale Dye
Name: Dale Dye
BirthName: Dale Adam Dye Jr.
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Caption: Dye in 2008
YearsActive: 1986–present
Education: Missouri Military Academy
AlmaMater: University of Maryland University College
Occupation: Actor,technical advisor,radio personality,writer
Parents: Dale Adam Dye Sr.,Della Grace Koehler
Awards: Bronze Star Medal,Purple Heart Medal,Meritorious Service Medal (United States),Joint Service Commendation Medal,Commendation Medal (United States),Achievement Medal,Combat Action Ribbon,#Military awards
Website: daledye.com
Module: Infobox military person
Embed: true
Allegiance: United States of America
Branch: Marines
Serviceyears: 1964–84
Rank: File:US Marine O3 shoulderboard.svg,Captain (United States O-3)
Unit: 1st Battalion, 5th Marines,2nd Battalion, 5th Marines,2nd Battalion, 1st Marines
Battles: Vietnam War
Categories: 1944 births, 20th-century American writers, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: Dale Adam Dye Jr. (born October 8, 1944) is an American actor, technical advisor, radio personality and writer. A decorated Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, Dye is the founder and head of Warriors, Inc., a technical advisory company specializing in portraying realistic military action in Hollywood films. Dye has also offered his expertise to television, such as the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers and The Pacific, the Apple TV+ miniseries Masters of the Air, and video games, including the Medal of Honor series.

Get more information about: Dale Dye

8. **Richard Kline**For millions, Richard Kline is instantly recognizable as the charmingly mischievous Larry Dallas from the beloved sitcom *Three’s Company*. Yet, hidden beneath this comedic icon is a fascinating chapter of service during the Vietnam War. After earning his Masters of Fine Arts, Kline enlisted in the US Army. His unique service saw him deployed as a lieutenant with the 101st Airborne, yet assigned to a non-combat role focused on troop morale, stationed north of Saigon.

This unique assignment brought with it a profound sense of “double guilt.” Kline confessed, “By going into the Army, I felt guilty, and then, by not serving in combat, I also felt guilty, so go figure.” This internal conflict caused him to keep his military service secret for years. He only began opening up about it after the Iran hostage crisis was finally resolved, allowing him to share this deeply personal part of his past.

A truly astonishing incident from his tour occurred at a rural airport in Phu Bai. While standing beneath the wing of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules during a fierce storm, Kline and his comrades were struck by lightning, throwing them eight feet across the tarmac. Miraculously, everyone involved survived, adding an incredible, almost unbelievable, anecdote to his wartime story that few could ever forget.

Military equipment: Richard Kline
Name: Richard Kline
Caption: New York Comic Con
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Queens
Occupation: Actor, director
Yearsactive: 1971–present
Module: Infobox military person
Embed: true
EmbedTitle: Military service
Allegiance: United States
Branch: United States Army
BranchLabel: Military branch
Serviceyears: 1969–1971
Rank: First lieutenant#United States
Unit: 101st Airborne Division
Battles: Vietnam War
BattlesLabel: Wars
Website: http://www.richardkline.tv
Categories: 101st Airborne Division, 1944 births, 20th-century American male actors, 21st-century American Jews, 21st-century American male actors
Summary: Richard Kline (born April 29, 1944) is an American actor and television director. His roles include Larry Dallas on the sitcom Three’s Company, Richie in the later seasons of It’s a Living and Jeff Beznick in Noah Knows Best.

Get more information about: Richard Kline

“Tom Selleck at PaleyFest 2014” by Dominick D is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

9. **Tom Selleck**Before Tom Selleck became the iconic *Magnum P.I.* star and a ubiquitous presence on television screens for decades, he faced the realities of the Vietnam War. Drafted during the conflict’s peak, he chose to enlist with the California National Guard, serving with the 160th Infantry Regiment from 1967-73. Though his service kept him stateside, it was a rigorous commitment that shaped his early adult life.

Selleck balanced military duties with his budding acting career, even while under contract with Fox. A surprising setback occurred when he learned, after his honorable discharge, that the studio had actually fired him during his service. Yet, this proved a mere blip in his trajectory, as his career soon soared to superstardom with roles that cemented his place in Hollywood history.

Beyond his personal service, Tom Selleck has maintained a deep connection to the military community throughout his illustrious career. His image supports the California National Guard and California Military School in promotional posters, lending his recognizable face to those who serve. He also actively serves as a spokesperson for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, ensuring the sacrifices of his generation are honored and remembered.

Military equipment: Tom Selleck
Name: Tom Selleck
Caption: Paley Center for Media
BirthName: Thomas William Selleck
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Detroit
Education: Los Angeles Valley College,University of Southern California
YearsActive: 1965–present
Party: Independent (voter)
Occupation: Actor
Spouse: [object Object],[object Object]
Children: 2
Module: Infobox military person
Embed: true
EmbedTitle: Military service
Branch: California Army National Guard
Rank: Sergeant
Unit: 160th Infantry Regiment (United States)
Serviceyears: 1967–1973
Categories: 1945 births, 20th-century American male actors, 21st-century American male actors, Activists from California, American gun rights activists
Summary: Thomas William Selleck (; born January 29, 1945) is an American actor. His breakout role was playing private investigator Thomas Magnum in the television series Magnum, P.I. (1980–1988), for which he received five Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, winning in 1984. From 2010 to 2024, Selleck co-starred as NYC Police Commissioner Frank Reagan in the series Blue Bloods. From 2005 to 2015, he portrayed troubled small-town police chief Jesse Stone in nine television films based on the Robert B. Parker novels. In films, Selleck has played bachelor architect Peter Mitchell in Three Men and a Baby (1987) and its sequel Three Men and a Little Lady (1990). He has also appeared in more than 50 other film and television roles since Magnum, P.I., including the films Quigley Down Under, Mr. Baseball, and Lassiter. He appeared in recurring television roles as Monica Geller’s love interest Dr. Richard Burke in Friends, as Lance White, the likeable and naive partner on The Rockford Files, and as casino owner A. J. Cooper on Las Vegas. He also had a lead role in the television Western film The Sacketts, based on two of Louis L’Amour’s books. Selleck was a spokesman for the National Rifle Association of America, an endorser in advertisements for National Review magazine, and co-founder of the Character Counts! organization. He also served as an infantryman in the California Army National Guard from 1967 to 1973, attaining the rank of sergeant.

Get more information about: Tom Selleck

10. **Demond Wilson**Demond Wilson, famously Lamont Sanford from *Sanford and Son*, had a significant, yet largely private, Vietnam War service. He served in the US Army from 1966 to 1968, deploying to Vietnam with the 4th Infantry Division. His military experience predates his iconic television fame and undoubtedly contributed to the disciplined foundation of his later life, intertwining with a profound spiritual journey.

Though specific details about his overseas service are sparse, it is known that Wilson experienced combat firsthand during his tour. He was wounded in action, a testament to the dangers he faced, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant E-5. This direct engagement with the realities of war, though seldom discussed publicly, left an undeniable mark on his perception of the world.

After returning, Wilson transitioned from military life to acting, honing his craft in Broadway and off-Broadway productions. While he achieved widespread recognition as Lamont, he later shifted his primary focus to his religious beliefs. This spiritual journey, rooted in a childhood near-death experience, complemented the resilience forged during his military service and guided his later life choices.

Military equipment: Demond Wilson
Name: Demond Wilson
Caption: Wilson as Lamont Sanford in 1972
BirthName: Grady Demond Wilson
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Valdosta, Georgia
Occupation: Actor, author
YearsActive: 1968–present
Spouse: [object Object]
Children: 6 Infobox military person
Embed: true
Allegiance: United States
Branch: United States Army
Serviceyears: 1966-1968
Unit: 4th Infantry Division (United States)
Battles: Vietnam War
Awards: Purple Heart
Categories: 1946 births, 20th-century African-American male actors, 20th-century African-American people, 20th-century American male actors, 21st-century African-American male actors
Summary: Grady Demond Wilson (born October 13, 1946) is an American actor and author. He played Lamont Sanford, the son of Fred Sanford (played by Redd Foxx) on the NBC sitcom Sanford and Son (1972–1977). He also portrayed Oscar Madison on The New Odd Couple (1982–1983) and appeared in the film Me and the Kid (1993).

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11. **John Prine**Revered country-folk musician John Prine’s life intersected with the Vietnam War era in a unique way. Before being drafted, he spent five years as a postman with the US Postal Service, a grounded experience that would later infuse his songwriting with authentic detail. Upon entering the US Army, Prine was stationed in West Germany, serving as a vehicle mechanic, a role far from the combat zones of Southeast Asia.

While he didn’t endure direct combat, Prine’s perspective was profoundly shaped by his peers’ experiences. Returning to the US, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of soldiers readjusting to civilian life. These observations inspired his poignant song, “Sam Stone,” which vividly portrayed the veterans’ challenges, including drug addiction and the lingering trauma of war, with unflinching honesty.

“Sam Stone” resonated deeply, challenging the public’s perception of veterans and fostering empathy for their plight. Prine’s music offered a nuanced conversation about war’s true cost, moving beyond political rhetoric to focus on human experience. His distinguished career, including 18 albums, four Grammys, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, culminated in his 2019 induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Military equipment: John Prine
Name: John Prine
Caption: Prine at MerleFest 2006
Landscape: true
Background: solo_singer
BirthName: John Edward Prine
BirthDate: [object Object]
DeathDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Maywood, Illinois
DeathPlace: Nashville, Tennessee
Instrument: Vocals,acoustic guitar
Genre: Country folk,progressive country,Americana (music)
Occupation: Singer,songwriter,musician
YearsActive: 1969–2020
Label: Atlantic Records,Asylum Records,Oh Boy Records,Rhino Records
AssociatedActs: Steve Goodman,Iris DeMent
Spouse: [object Object],[object Object],[object Object]
Website: johnprine.com|JohnPrine.com
Categories: 1946 births, 2020 deaths, 20th-century American guitarists, 20th-century American male musicians, American acoustic guitarists
Summary: John Edward Prine (; October 10, 1946 – April 7, 2020) was an American singer-songwriter of country-folk music. Widely cited as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, Prine was known for his signature blend of humorous lyrics about love, life, and current events, often with elements of social commentary and satire, as well as sweet songs and melancholy ballads. He was active as a composer, recording artist, live performer, and occasional actor from the early 1970s until his death. Born and raised in Maywood, Illinois, Prine learned to play the guitar at age 14. He attended classes at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. After serving in West Germany with the U.S. Army, he returned to Chicago in the late 1960s, where he worked as a mailman, writing and singing songs first as a hobby. Continuing studies at the Old Town School, he performed at a student hang-out, the nearby Fifth Peg. A laudatory review by Roger Ebert put Prine on the map. Singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson heard Prine at Steve Goodman’s insistence, and Kristofferson invited Prine to be his opening act. Prine released his eponymous debut album in 1971. Featuring such songs as “Paradise”, “Sam Stone” and “Angel from Montgomery”, it has been hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time. The acclaim Prine earned from his debut led to three more albums for Atlantic Records. Common Sense (1975) was his first to chart on the Billboard U.S. Top 100. He then recorded three albums with Asylum Records. In 1981, he co-founded Oh Boy Records, an independent label which released all of his music up until his death. His final album, 2018’s The Tree of Forgiveness, debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200, his highest ranking on the charts. Prine struggled with health issues throughout his life, surviving cancer twice. He died in 2020 from complications caused by COVID-19. Earlier the same year, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

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12. **Pat Sajak**It’s hard to imagine anyone but Pat Sajak leading *Wheel of Fortune*, a fixture in American households for decades. Yet, long before he became synonymous with spinning wheels and solving puzzles, Sajak served during the Vietnam War, using his natural wit and charm in a different kind of broadcast booth. His journey through military service is a testament to the varied forms of contribution during wartime.

Originally trained as a clerk typist in the US Army, Sajak’s inherent talent for communication and entertainment soon found a more suitable outlet. He was transferred to Saigon to serve as a disc jockey with the American Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN), a role he’d pursued in civilian life. There, he took over Adrian Cronauer’s popular *Dawn Buster* program, famously continuing the tradition of greeting troops with “Good Morning, Vietnam!”

Sajak humorously recalled his “good duty” to LAVA 105.3, quip-ping, “And if you have to be in Vietnam, it was a pretty good place to do it. By the way, the enemy never got one of our records the whole time I was there.” This lighthearted reflection belies the seriousness of the war raging around him, yet highlights his ability to find positivity in challenging circumstances.

In an article for the USO, Sajak further reflected on his unique path: “Before I was Pat Sajak of *Wheel of Fortune*, I was Pat Sajak Vietnam DJ.” He candidly shared how he secured the sought-after role, admitting to “stretching the truth” about his DJ experience. His story highlights the unpredictable and sometimes amusing ways military service could unfold.

Military equipment: Pat Sajak
Name: Pat Sajak
Caption: Sajak in 2011
BirthName: Patrick Leonard Sajdak
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Chicago
AlmaMater: Columbia College Chicago
Occupation: Television personality,game show host,creative consultant
YearsActive: 1968–present
Credits: Wheel of Fortune (American game show)
Spouse: [object Object]
Children: Maggie Sajak
Party: Republican Party (United States)
Module: Infobox military person
Embed: true
Allegiance: United States
Branch: US Army
Serviceyears: 1968–1969
Rank: Specialist (rank)#United States
Battles: Vietnam War
Categories: 1946 births, 21st-century American essayists, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles with unsourced statements, American bloggers
Summary: Patrick Leonard Sajak ( SAY-jak; né Sajdak, born October 26, 1946) is an American game show host, television personality, and creative consultant. He is best known as the host of the television game show Wheel of Fortune, a position which he held from 1981 to 2024. Sajak currently serves as a consultant for the show and hosted Celebrity Wheel of Fortune until 2025. For his work on Wheel, Sajak has received 19 nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host, winning thrice, and twice nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Game Show, winning in 2024. In 2019, he was recognized by Guinness World Records for having the longest-serving career as a game show host for the same show, surpassing previous record holder Bob Barker. Beyond his game show career, Sajak has made various appearances in films, television series, and game shows, such as Airplane II: The Sequel, Days of Our Lives, and Rugrats. He also hosted a late-night talk show on CBS from 1989 to 1990 and became a frequent guest host for CNN’s Larry King Live and the syndicated Live with Regis and Kelly. Sajak has been involved in a variety of other endeavors, including as an external director of conservative publishing house Eagle Publishing and writing for the National Review Online and Ricochet.com. He is also the author of several puzzle games, including “Lucky Letters”, developed in collaboration with puzzle developer David L. Hoyt.

Get more information about: Pat Sajak

13. **R. Lee Ermey**R. Lee Ermey, famed as the fearsome Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Stanley Kubrick’s *Full Metal Jacket*, channeled his real-life US Marine experience directly into his acting. Long before Hollywood, Ermey was the genuine article, a career military man whose path to service began not with patriotic fervor, but with a stark choice presented by a judge after an adolescence of “criminal mischief.” He chose enlistment, embarking on an 11-year career in the Marine Corps.

After completing recruit training and serving in the aviation support field, Ermey became a highly effective drill sergeant in India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. His dedication led him overseas, first to Okinawa, and then to a challenging 14-month deployment in Vietnam. Medically discharged from the Marine Corps in 1972, he later vaguely referenced an injury caused “by a rocket,” steadfastly refusing to elaborate further, an indication of the lasting and personal nature of his wounds. He carried shrapnel in his back until his death in 2018.

Even after his discharge, Ermey remained deeply committed to the Marine Corps, frequently speaking with recruits and performing USO-style comedy routines for troops in Afghanistan. His move into acting was almost accidental, beginning with a role as a helicopter pilot in *Apocalypse Now* (1979). His big break came on *Full Metal Jacket*, where director Stanley Kubrick, profoundly impressed by an instructional tape Ermey had recorded, recognized his raw talent and cast him as the iconic Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, cementing his legendary status.

Military equipment: R. Lee Ermey
Alt: Ermey looking forward at a camera
Caption: [object Object]
BirthName: Ronald Lee Ermey
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Emporia, Kansas
DeathDate: [object Object]
DeathPlace: Santa Monica, California
BurialPlace: Arlington National Cemetery
Occupation: Actor,U.S. Marine drill instructor
YearsActive: 1978–2017
Party: Independent voter
Spouse: [object Object],[object Object]
Children: 6
Module: Infobox military person
Embed: true
Nickname: “Gunny”
Allegiance: United States
Branch: United States Marine Corps
Serviceyears: 1961–1972
Rank: Staff sergeant#United States,Gunnery sergeant
Unit: India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion,Marine Wing Support Group 17
Battles: Vietnam War
Awards: Meritorious Unit Commendation,Gallantry Cross (Vietnam)
Categories: 1944 births, 2018 deaths, 20th-century American male actors, 21st-century American male actors, Actors from Palmdale, California
Summary: Ronald Lee Ermey (March 24, 1944 – April 15, 2018) was an American actor and U.S. Marine drill instructor. He achieved fame for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the 1987 film Full Metal Jacket, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Ermey was also a United States Marine Corps staff sergeant and an honorary gunnery sergeant. Ermey was often typecast in authority figure roles, such as Mayor Tilman in the film Mississippi Burning (1988), Bill Bowerman in Prefontaine (1997), Sheriff Hoyt in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) and its prequel The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006), Jimmy Lee Farnsworth in Fletch Lives (1989), a police captain in Seven (1995), plastic army men leader Sarge in the first three films of the Toy Story franchise (1995–2010), Major “Maddogg” Madison in Rocket Power, and John House in House. On television, Ermey hosted two programs on the History Channel: Mail Call, in which he answered viewers’ questions about various military issues both modern and historic; and Lock n’ Load with R. Lee Ermey, which concerned the development of different types of weapons. He also hosted GunnyTime on the Outdoor Channel.

Get more information about: R. Lee Ermey

14. **Wes Studi**Wes Studi, renowned for compelling portrayals of Native American characters in films like *Geronimo: An American Legend* and *The Last of the Mohicans*, possesses a quiet strength that emanates from his real-life experiences, including a significant period of service during the Vietnam War. His journey from an Oklahoma National Guardsman to an accomplished actor and fierce veterans’ activist provides a powerful narrative of commitment and continued advocacy.

Studi enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard at just 17, a testament to his early sense of duty. He underwent both basic combat and advanced individual training at Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), Louisiana. With only one year remaining in his National Guard commitment, Studi made a pivotal decision: he volunteered for active duty, serving overseas with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, knowing full well the dangers that awaited him.

His 12-month deployment to Vietnam occurred shortly before the intense “Mini-Tet” Offensive, a period that saw the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army launch attacks on Saigon. Studi was stationed at the French Fort, a precarious position deep within Viet Cong-held territory. The experiences he gathered during this assignment, witnessing firsthand the brutal complexities of jungle warfare, left an indelible mark on his spirit and fundamentally reshaped his life’s trajectory.

The profound impact of his wartime service motivated Studi to become a dedicated veterans’ activist. He has since become actively involved with the non-profit Vietnam Veterans Against the War, using his platform to advocate for those who served. Furthermore, he regularly attends Vietnam Veterans of America conventions, remaining a vocal and passionate voice for his fellow veterans, ensuring their stories are heard and their needs addressed long after the conflict ended.

Military equipment: Wes Studi
Name: Wes Studi
Caption: Studi in 2019
NativeName: native name
BirthName: Wesley Studie
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Cherokee County, Oklahoma
Education: Tulsa Community College
Occupation: Actor,producer
YearsActive: 1972–present
Spouse: abbr
Children: 3
Relatives: Jack Albertson
Citizenship: Cherokee Nation
Website: wesleystudi.com
Categories: 1947 births, 20th-century American male actors, 20th-century Native American people, 21st-century American male actors, 21st-century Native American people
Summary: Wesley Studi (Cherokee: ᏪᏌ ᏍᏚᏗ; born December 17, 1947) is a Native American (Cherokee) actor and film producer. He has garnered critical acclaim and awards throughout his career, particularly for his portrayal of Native Americans in film. In 2019, he received an Academy Honorary Award, becoming the first Native American as well as the first Indigenous person from North America to be honored by the academy. Studi has appeared in Academy Award-winning films, such as Dances with Wolves (1990) and The Last of the Mohicans (1992), and in the Academy Award-nominated films Geronimo: An American Legend (1993) and The New World (2005). He is also known for portraying Sagat in Street Fighter (1994). Other films he has appeared in are Hostiles, Heat, Mystery Men, Avatar, A Million Ways to Die in the West, and the television series Penny Dreadful. In December 2020, The New York Times ranked him No. 19 in its list of the “25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century (So Far)”.

Get more information about: Wes Studi

Kenny Ortega's Urgent Warnings and Internal Emails — Kenny Rogers Biography – Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements, Photo by thefamouspeople.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

15. **Roger Staubach**Rounding out our list of celebrities who bravely served during the Vietnam War is Roger Staubach, a name synonymous with gridiron greatness, Heisman Trophies, and Super Bowl victories. Yet, before he became the legendary quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Staubach put a burgeoning athletic career on hold to answer a different call of duty, committing four years of his life to the US Navy, an experience that would forge him into a leader both on and off the field.

After winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy, a future that promised immediate professional football success seemed all but certain for Staubach. However, he was commissioned as a Naval officer, a commitment that required a full four years of service. This meant knowingly delaying his NFL dreams and facing the almost certainty of being sent overseas during the intensifying Vietnam War. It was a testament to his character and sense of obligation.

While deployed to Vietnam, Staubach was not dropped into the thick of direct combat. Instead, he was entrusted with a crucial logistical role, serving in charge of the “Sand Ramp” within the Freight Terminal Division. He told *Sports Illustrated*, “I was in effect the beachmaster there, in the Freight Terminal Division. We moved gear, all right. Fortunately, I never came under fire, and my 12-month tour of duty ended before the Tet Offensive of early ’68.” Despite missing football, he diligently maintained his physical condition.

His commitment to staying prepared paid off. During a leave in 1968, Staubach participated in Dallas Cowboys workouts, and it was clear to the team that they were simply waiting for his Navy service to conclude before offering him the quarterback job. Although a couple of years older than a typical NFL recruit, his experience leading a team of men in the Navy translated seamlessly to the gridiron, providing him with invaluable leadership skills that contributed significantly to his legendary career and multiple Super Bowl wins.

Military equipment: Roger Staubach
Name: Roger Staubach
Caption: Staubach in 2018
Number: 12
Position: Quarterback
BirthDate: [object Object]
BirthPlace: Cincinnati
HeightFt: 6
HeightIn: 3
WeightLb: 197
HighSchool: Purcell Marian High School
College: New Mexico Military Institute#Athletics
Draftyear: 1964
Draftround: 10
Draftpick: 129
Afldraftyear: 1964
Afldraftround: 16
Afldraftpick: 122
Pastteams: Dallas Cowboys
Highlights: List of Super Bowl champions,Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award,Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year,All-Pro,Pro Bowl,List of NFL season passing touchdowns leaders,List of NFL season passer rating leaders,NFL 1970s All-Decade Team,NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team,Bert Bell Award,George Halas Award,Kansas City Committee of 101 awards#Lamar Hunt Award,Dallas Cowboys#Ring of Honor,Heisman Trophy,Maxwell Award,Chic Harley Award,UPI College Football Player of the Year,Sporting News College Football Player of the Year,Walter Camp Memorial Trophy,List of unanimous All-Americans in college football,1963 All-East football team,1962 All-East football team,Navy Midshipmen football#Retired numbers,Presidential Medal of Freedom,Theodore Roosevelt Award
Statlabel1: Passing attempts
Statvalue1: 2,958
Statlabel2: Passing completions
Statvalue2: 1,685
Statlabel3: Completion percentage
Statvalue3: 57.0%
Statlabel4: Touchdown
Statvalue4: 153–109
Statlabel5: Passing yards
Statvalue5: 22,700
Statlabel6: Passer rating
Statvalue6: 83.4
Statlabel7: Rushing yards
Statvalue7: 2,264
Statlabel8: Rushing touchdowns
Statvalue8: 20 Infobox military person
Embed: true
Allegiance: USA
Branch: Navy
Serviceyears: 1965–1969
Rank: Dodseal,Lieutenant (United States)
Unit: Navy Supply Corps (United States)
Battles: Vietnam War
Pfr: StauRo00
Hof: roger-staubach
CollegeHof: 1856
Categories: 1942 births, 20th-century American sportsmen, All-American college football players, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles needing additional references
Summary: Roger Thomas Staubach (, -; STAW-bahk, -back; born February 5, 1942), nicknamed “Roger the Dodger”, “Captain America”, and “Captain Comeback”, is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he played college football for the Navy Midshipmen and won the 1963 Heisman Trophy. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Staubach joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1969, becoming the team’s second major franchise quarterback after the retirement of Don Meredith in 1968. Staubach played with the Cowboys during his entire career. He led the team to the Super Bowl five times, four as the starting quarterback. He led the Cowboys to victories in Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII. Staubach was named Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl VI, becoming the first of four players to win both the Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl MVP, along with Jim Plunkett, Marcus Allen, and Desmond Howard. He was named to the Pro Bowl six times during his 11-year NFL career. Staubach is one of ten players to both win the Heisman Trophy and be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the only quarterback. Upon his retirement Staubach founded The Staubach Group, a commercial real estate firm that he later sold to Jones Lang LaSalle for $613 million in 2008. He then became executive chairman of the Americas region of Jones Lang LaSalle until his retirement in 2018. That same year, he received a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Get more information about: Roger Staubach

The stories of these 15 extraordinary individuals offer a powerful and poignant reminder that the Vietnam War touched lives in countless, unexpected ways. From the intense jungles of combat to the crucial roles behind the lines, from healing invisible wounds through art to advocating for fellow veterans, these celebrities chose to serve. Their paths after the war diverged wildly, yet their experiences in uniform undeniably forged the resilience, perspective, and depth that would later define their iconic careers, leaving an indelible legacy not just in entertainment and sports, but in the very fabric of American history. Each one, in their own unique way, bravely served, and their tales continue to resonate, reminding us of the profound connections between sacrifice, celebrity, and the human spirit.