Pat Tillman
Pat Tillman played for the Arizona Cardinals, but he also served in the military in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Inspired by the 9/11 attacks, his patriotism led the football player to join the army with his brother. However, he died due to enemy forces less than 5 years after his enlistment. It was later revealed that there was a miscommunication, and his shooting was a mistake.
Henry Fonda
Though he had already made some minor success as an actor, Henry Fonda chose to enlist in the US Navy during World War II, saying. "I don't want to be in a fake war in a studio." He served for three years, starting as a Quartermaster 3rd Class on the USS Satterlee. Then he became a Luitenent Junior Class for Air Combat Intelligence in the Central Pacific. He received a Bronze medal.