J.D. Salinger
The famous American novelist, known best for “Catcher in the Rye,” says his novel was heavily influenced by his experiences serving during World War II. As a U.S. Army sergeant, J.D. Salinger stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and marched through concentration camps, and the character of Holden Caulfield drew on these experiences. Salinger said the war changed him and Caulfield alike. Salinger has said that his 11 months in combat had an impact on every aspect of his life including his writing. Salinger’s daughter said that he spoke of Normandy often but never provided details.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson joined the U.S. Air Force straight out of high school. His military career didn’t last long, however, as he was medically discharged after just nine short months due to back problems. He did take away a bit of wisdom from his months served: “I was in the Air Force a while, and they had what they call ‘policing the area.’ I think that’s a pretty good thing to go by. If everyone just takes care of their own area, then we won’t have any problems. Be here. Be present. Wherever you are, be there. And look around you and see what needs to be changed.”
Benny Hill
Remember “The Benny Hill Show”? The British slapstick expert was known as one of the funniest silent showmen ever, reaching a record audience of more than 21 million people in 1971. Most people don’t know that Benny Hill also served time in the military. It’s true, I swear! Benny Hill served in the British Army as one of the electrical and mechanical engineers that arrived in Normandy during WWII on September 1, 1944. He was in the 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Battery. Hill was not a huge fan of his time in the service and preferred to not speak much about it.
Clint Eastwood
The actor, director, and filmmaker wanted to apply to college out of high school, but he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Despite his tough-guy image, Clint Eastwood was a lifeguard working on base for the duration of his service. He went on to be an A-lister in Hollywood, starring in too many movies to list. He also has directed many military movies, including “Heartbreak Ridge,” “Flags of our Fathers,” “Firefox,” and “American Sniper.” “American Sniper” is based on the true story of Chris Kyle’s time serving as a Navy SEAL during the Iraq War. This film allowed Eastwood to showcase a deeper take on the effects of war and the stresses our soldiers and their families go through.
Harry Belafonte
Although Harry Belafonte joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 to fight in World War II, he did not end up going overseas. After his discharge, his GI Bill benefits enabled him to further his education at The New School for Social Research. In the late 1940s, he studied acting at The New School’s dramatic workshop and performed with the American Negro Theater. To pay for his acting classes, he sang in New York clubs. In 1956, his album “Calypso” was, according to Belafonte, the first to sell over 1 million copies.
Drew Carey
The host of “The Price is Right” was once an active member of the armed forces. Drew Carey spent six years as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. He also started his stand-up career while serving in the military. Carey supports the troops to this day by touring overseas with the USO. “I think if I did not have such a great break, I would still be in the military,” said Carey. “I still wear my hair short and have the glasses. Also, I enjoyed the regimen and camaraderie. I knew that once I left the reserves, I would give back to the military, so I teamed up with the USO.”
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