Here are some notable examples of famous individuals who are veterans, spanning a range of fields from entertainment and sports to politics and science.

Brief overview

• Many well-known actors, musicians, athletes, and public figures have served in the U.S. armed forces, either during wartime or in peacetime, before or alongside their rise to prominence.
• Notable branches and roles include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, reserves, and national guard service, with experiences ranging from combat duty to technical and support roles.
• Some veterans became prominent after service in ways that highlighted their military experiences, while others kept their service relatively private.

Examples by field

• Entertainment and media
  • Elvis Presley (Army 1958–1960) [citation needed].
  • Charlton Heston (Army Air Forces 1944–1946) [citation needed].
  • James Garner (Merchant Marine, Army Korean War) [citation needed].
  • George Kennedy (Army WWII) [citation needed].
  • Jimi Hendrix (Army 1961–1962) [citation needed].
  • Bob Hope (Army entertainer during WWII and beyond) [citation needed].
  • Tammy Duckworth (Army Reserve/National Guard helicopter pilot, Iraq War) [citation needed].
• Music and performance
  • Marvin Gaye (Air Force) [citation needed].
  • Elvis Presley (Army 1958–1960) [citation needed].
  • Chuck Norris (Air Force) [citation needed].
• Sports
  • Roberto Clemente (Marine Corps Reserve 1958–1964) [citation needed].
  • Otto Graham (Navy Air Corps WWII) [citation needed].
  • David Robinson (Navy) [citation needed].
• Politics and public service
  • Colin Powell (Army, then Secretary of State) [citation needed].
  • Tammy Duckworth (Army Reserve/National Guard helicopter pilot, Iraq War) [citation needed].
• Science and exploration
  • Buzz Aldrin (Air Force fighter pilot) [citation needed].

How to explore further

• If you want a curated list by era, service branch, or field, I can assemble a focused roster with concise bios.
• I can also provide sources and brief notes on each individual's service and how it intersected with their later career.

If you’d like, tell me which subset you’re most interested in (e.g., actors, musicians, athletes, or politicians) and whether you prefer U.S.-centric examples or a broader international scope.