Celebrities That Served In the Military Before Hollywood Fame

Alan Alda

Alan Alda starred in M.A.S.H., a show following shenanigans of military men living on a base, but he had some real-life experience. He was in the ROTC program in college at Fordham University, receiving a degree in English. Following graduation, for six months real-life Alan Alda served in Korea as a gunnery officer. His character on the television show played a medic in the Korean War. 

Steve McQueen

Once nicknamed, "The King of Cool" Steve McQueen was also pretty slick when he served in the United States Marine Corps. Though his relaxed attitude worked in acting auditions, it didn't go over so well in the service. Steve was demoted over 6 times due to his disregard for rules and authority figures. He was once even arrested for taking an unapproved vacation, though he was redeemed by saving 5 drowning soldiers. 

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The More You Know

  • The designer of the current United States flag was 17 at the time, and created it for a high school project. He received a B-.
  • The United States defense budget of $698 billion is more than the next seventeen nations combined.
  • The 442nd Infantry Regiment, a largely Japanese American unit that served during WWII, did so while their families were held in internment camps. Their motto was "Go for Broke" and they were the most decorated unit in U.S. military history.
  • A baby can cost new parents 750 hours of sleep in their first year.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.