Well before becoming known for having his own talk show, Williams enlisted in the U.S. Marines after graduating high school in 1974. He took basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, where he was promoted to platoon guide. After basic training, he was sent to the Desert Warfare Training Center at Twenty-nine Palms, near Palm Springs, California. Following that he enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy and enlisted in the navy, where he ultimately left with the rank of lieutenant and received the Navy Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal.
Branch of Service
Military Accomplishments
After the Military
Accomplishments
Branch of Service: U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy
Military Accomplishments:
- Promoted to platoon guide during basic training
- Enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy and joined the U.S. Navy
- Achieved the rank of lieutenant
- Received the Navy Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal
After the Military Accomplishments:
- Became known for having his own talk show
2. Charlie Rangel
Before representing Harlem for decades in Congress, Rangle earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he led a group of soldiers out of a deadly Chinese army encirclement during the Battle of Kunu-ri in 1950.
Branch of Service: U.S. Army
Military Accomplishments:
- Earned a Purple Heart for his service in the Korean War
- Earned a Bronze Star for leading a group of soldiers out of a deadly Chinese army encirclement during the Battle of Kunu-ri in 1950
After the Military Accomplishments:
- Represented Harlem for decades in Congress
Sinbad
Before becoming a successful comedian and actor, Sinbad served in the United States Air Force as a boom operator aboard KC-135 Stratotankers.
Branch of Service: United States Air Force
Military Accomplishments:
- Served as a boom operator aboard KC-135 Stratotankers
After the Military Accomplishments:
- Became a successful comedian and actor
4. MC Hammer
Before selling millions of records as a global rap star, MC Hammer served as a Third Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy.
Branch of Service: U.S. Navy
Military Accomplishments:
- Served as a Third Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy
After the Military Accomplishments:
- Became a global rap star
5. Shaggy
Before becoming a mega pop star, Shaggy served in the United States Marine Corps as a Field Artillery Cannon Crewman and also served with a Field Artillery Battery in the 10th Marine Regiment during the Persian Gulf War.
Branch of Service: United States Marine Corps
Military Accomplishments:
- Served as a Field Artillery Cannon Crewman
- Served with a Field Artillery Battery in the 10th Marine Regiment during the Persian Gulf War
After the Military Accomplishments:
- Became a mega pop star
6. Mr. T
Before becoming an iconic actor in the 1980s, the mohawked Mr. T served as a military policeman in the Army.