Professional athletes don't just shine on the field; many have also donned the uniform to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Let's celebrate the incredible achievements of 50 sports icons who displayed exceptional prowess in both arenas.

Chuck Bednarik

A true two-way player for the Philadelphia Eagles, Bednarik's eight Pro Bowl appearances and five First-Team All-Pro nods were complemented by his courageous role as a gunner in 30 missions during World War II.

Yogi Berra

The beloved Yankees catcher and 18-time All-Star served as a gunner's mate on the USS Bayfield during the D-Day invasion in World War II, showcasing his bravery beyond the baseball diamond.

Rocky Bleier

Drafted into the Army in 1968, Bleier overcame wartime injuries, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His triumphant return to the Steelers resulted in four Super Bowl victories.

Grover Cleveland Alexander

baseballinpix | Instagram | Known for his 373 career victories and 2.56 ERA, Alexander, a Hall of Famer.

Known for his 373 career victories and 2.56 ERA, Alexander, a Hall of Famer, served as a sergeant in the Army artillery during World War I, adding valor to his illustrious baseball career.

Bill Bradley

In addition to NBA championships and political success, Bradley served in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1967 to 1978, showcasing his commitment to both sports and duty.

Ty Cobb

The MLB hit list's second all-time leader enlisted in the U.S. military in 1918, serving 67 days overseas in the Army, highlighting his dedication beyond the baseball field.

Roberto Clemente

The Pittsburgh Pirates' Hall of Famer, known for his humanitarian efforts, also served as a Private First Class in the Marine Corps for nearly a decade.

Jerry Coleman

An All-Star for the New York Yankees, Coleman's legacy extended to the skies as a Marine pilot, flying 57 missions during World War II.

Joe DiMaggio

The Yankees legend served in the U.S. Seventh Army Air Force from 1943-1945, combining his baseball prowess with a commitment to military service.

Larry Doby

Doby, a Hall of Famer, balanced his baseball career with service as a physical education trainer in the Navy during World War II.

Art Donovan

A Hall of Fame defensive lineman for the Colts, Donovan's humor and sportsmanship were evident both on the field and as a Marine gunner during World War II.

Bob Feller

Responding to Pearl Harbor, Feller became the first American professional athlete to enlist, serving as a Navy gun captain for nearly four years.

Whitey Ford

The Yankees' left-handed pitcher, a 10-time All-Star and Cy Young Award winner, served in the Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1952.

Jack Dempsey

World Heavyweight Champion Dempsey, criticized for not enlisting in WWI, joined the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, proving his commitment to the nation.

Hank Greenberg

The Hall of Fame first baseman for the Detroit Tigers sacrificed four years of his baseball career to serve in the Army during World War II.

Chad Hennings

Before winning Super Bowls with the Cowboys, Hennings served in the United States Air Force during the Gulf War, flying 45 missions.

Whitey Herzog

Serving in the Korean War, Herzog's dedication led to a Hall of Fame induction in 2010 by the Veteran’s Committee.

Monte Irvin

Instagram | vintage_bubble_gum | Irvin served in the U.S. Army during the '40s.

A standout for the New York Giants, Irvin served in the U.S. Army during the '40s, showcasing his prowess on and off the baseball field.

Tim James

After a successful NBA career, James enlisted in the Army, serving in the Iraq War without disclosing his basketball background to fellow soldiers.

Bobby Jones

Jones, an Army Air Forces intelligence officer during WWII, co-founded the Masters and became one of golf's most famous figures.

Bob Kalsu

Drafted by the Buffalo Bills, Kalsu fulfilled his ROTC obligation, serving as a second lieutenant in the Army and tragically losing his life in the Vietnam War.

Nile Kinnick

The 1939 Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick chose law school and Navy service over pro success, ultimately losing his life during a training flight in 1943.

Joe Louis

Boxing's World Heavyweight Champion from 1937 to 1949, Louis enlisted in the Army during World War II, contributing to the war effort and earning the Legion of Merit.

Rocky Marciano

Undefeated heavyweight champ Marciano began his boxing career in the Army during World War II, setting the stage for an iconic boxing career.

Christy Mathewson

A Hall of Famer for the New York Giants, Mathewson served in the Army in 1918 during WWI, highlighting his dedication beyond the baseball diamond.

Willie Mays

The legendary Giants outfielder missed 266 games in 1952 while serving in the Army during the Korean War, adding a patriotic chapter to his illustrious baseball career.

George McAfee

The explosive Chicago Bears legend served three years in the U.S. Navy during World War II, potentially sacrificing his prime football years for his country.

Bud Moore

A D-Day veteran and NASCAR Hall of Famer, Moore earned two Bronze Stars and five Purple Hearts during five major battles in Europe.

Stan Musial

The Cardinals' hitting legend served as a first-class seaman in the Navy at Pearl Harbor, later receiving the 2010 Medal of Freedom.

Arnold Palmer

Golf's great Arnold Palmer enlisted in the Coast Guard during the Korean War, balancing military service with an illustrious golf career.

Pee Wee Reese

Dodgers Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reese served in the Navy during World War II and vocally supported Jackie Robinson in breaking the color barrier in sports.

Phil Rizzuto

Serving in the Navy during World War II, Rizzuto saw combat in the Pacific Theater, enjoying a Hall of Fame career with the New York Yankees and becoming a legendary announcer.

David Robinson

NBA Hall of Famer and known as "The Admiral," Robinson attended the United States Naval Academy before joining the San Antonio Spurs, serving two years as a civil engineer for the Navy.

Jackie Robinson

Breaking the color line in sports, Robinson also served in the Army as a second lieutenant during World War II, facing racial tensions but receiving an honorable discharge in 1944.

Shauna Rohbock

An Olympic silver medalist in bobsled, Rohbock proudly serves in the U.S. Army National Guard, showcasing her excellence in both sports and military service.

Nolan Ryan

MLB's all-time strikeouts leader served in the Army Reserve, missing a season with the Mets in 1967 but returning for a historic career in the majors.

Tom Seaver

A 12-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young Award winner, Seaver joined the United States Marine Corps in 1962 before embarking on his Hall of Fame baseball career.

Leon Spinks

The boxer who upset Muhammad Ali for the World Heavyweight Title served on active duty for the United States Marine Corps from 1973 to 1976.

Roger Staubach

Hall of Famer and Cowboys quarterback Staubach, a former Navy player, had a notable college football career before serving in the Navy during Vietnam.

Pat Tillman

A symbol of sacrifice, Tillman gave up a multimillion-dollar NFL contract to enlist in the United States Army after 9/11, tragically losing his life in Afghanistan in 2004.

Lee Trevino

Hall of Fame golfer Trevino, a Marine lance corporal, combined six major victories with military service, showcasing his skill both on the golf course and in uniform.

Jesse Ventura

govjventura | Instagram | Participating in active combat as part of Underwater Demolition Team 12.

Wrestler, actor, and governor Ventura served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, participating in active combat as part of Underwater Demolition Team 12.

Bill Sharman

The NBA champion as a player, coach, and executive, Sherman served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946 during World War II, adding military honors to his basketball legacy.

Enos Slaughter

Enlisting in the Air Force with dreams of becoming a pilot, Slaughter became a physical education instructor, winning two World Series with the Cardinals as a Hall of Fame outfielder.

Duke Snider

Dodgers Hall of Famer Snider served 19 months in the military, contributing to non-combat duties during his baseball career.

Warren Spahn

One of the greatest pitchers of the live ball era, Spahn saw live combat at the Battle of the Bulge, earning a Purple Heart before winning 363 games in his Hall of Fame career.

Alejandro Villanueva

Former Army Ranger, Villanueva was cut by the Eagles but impressed with the Steelers, showcasing bravery on the football field and the battlefield.

Hoyt Wilhelm

The knuckleballer enjoyed a 21-year career and served in the Army during World War II, earning a Purple Heart and induction into the Hall of Fame.

Ted Williams

The Red Sox legend missed seven prime years of his career to serve in the United States Marine Corps during both World War II and the Korean War.

John Wooden

Although not a professional athlete, Wooden's coaching legacy earned him a place on this list. The former Navy lieutenant won 12 college basketball championships at UCLA, showcasing his leadership on and off the court.