We Were Soldiers Once... And Famous Quiz

Answer:

CORRECT ANSWERS:
Elvis Presley served in the United States Army for two years, from March 24, 1958, to March 5, 1960. He was drafted and inducted into the army during the peak of his career. His time in the army included basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, and later service in Germany as part of the 3rd Armored Division (as I was from January 1986 to June of 1989. SPEARHEAD!) He served in the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor Regiment, 3AD, at Ray Barracks in Friedberg, West Germany. He arrived in Germany on October 1, 1958, and remained there until March 1, 1960. He met his future wife, Priscilla, while there.

Gene Roddenberry, creator of the Star Trek franchise, served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, flying B-17 Flying Fortress bombers in the Pacific Theater. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1942 and flew an estimated 89 combat missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his service.

Pat Sajak, host of the "Wheel of Fortune" game show from 1981-2024, also served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, primarily as a disc jockey for the Armed Forces Radio in Saigon. He was initially trained as a clerk typist and finance clerk before being transferred to the American Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN). He hosted a morning radio show, signing on with the phrase "Good Morning Vietnam!".

Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip, served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a Staff Sergeant in the 20th Infantry Regiment, and he received the Combat Infantryman Badge for his service in active ground combat. He continued to support veterans throughout his life, including leading efforts to honor the D-Day invasion and donating to the National D-Day Memorial.

Mickey Rooney served in the U.S. Army during World War II, enlisting in 1944 and serving for 21 months. He was known for his "jeep shows" where he entertained troops in combat zones. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, as well as the Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Rod Serling, the creator of The Twilight Zone, served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper during World War II for three years. He was part of the 11th Airborne Division and saw combat in the Philippines, including on the islands of Leyte and Luzon. His service earned him a Bronze Star for bravery and a Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds.

Jackie Robinson, baseball trailblazer, served in the U.S. Army during World War II, being drafted in 1942 and eventually commissioned as a second lieutenant. He was assigned to a segregated cavalry unit and later to the 761st "Black Panthers" tank battalion. In 1944, he faced a court-martial for refusing to move to the back of an Army bus, but was acquitted. Following his acquittal, he was transferred to Camp Breckinridge, where he served as an athletics coach before receiving an honorable discharge in November 1944.

Legendary electric guitarist Jimi Hendrix served in the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division. He enlisted in May 1961 after being given a choice between the army or jail time for involvement with stolen cars. After basic training, he was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was granted an honorable discharge in June 1962 due to an ankle injury, though some accounts suggest he claimed to be a homosexual to shorten his service.

Big Bandleader Glenn Miller joined the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942 and was commissioned as Captain, later becoming a Major. He played a key role in modernizing military bands and boosting troop morale, creating and directing the 418th Army Air Forces Band. The band, which included musicians from the best bands in the United States, travelled to England to entertain troops and made numerous broadcasts. Tragically, Miller disappeared on December 15, 1944, while flying from England to France, and his remains were never found.

Clint Eastwood was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War in 1951 and served until 1953. He was stationed at Fort Ord in California and served as a swimming instructor. After his discharge, he used the GI Bill to study drama.

INCORRECT ANSWERS:
Chuck Norris served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962. He served as an air policeman (now called Air Force security forces) and was stationed at Osan Air Base in South Korea, where he earned a black belt in Tang Soo Do. He was discharged with the rank of airman first class.

Morgan Freeman served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959. He was trained as an automatic tracking radar repairman and was honorably discharged as an airman first class.

Paul Newman served in the United States Navy during World War II. He enlisted in 1943 with hopes of becoming a pilot, but was disqualified from flight school due to being colorblind. He then became an aviation radioman and gunner, primarily stationed in the Pacific theater.

Humphrey Bogart enlisted in the US Navy in 1918 during World War I, and he served as a model sailor, ferrying troops between the US and Europe on the USS Leviathan. He was honorably discharged in 1919. During World War II, he attempted to re-enlist but was rejected due to his age, so he volunteered for the Coast Guard Temporary Reserve in 1944.