Some well known Hollywood icons that served in the US Military.

15. Alex Haley, U.S. Coast Guard - An American writer and author, Alex Haley is most noted for his 1976 book, Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The television mini-series of the same name was met with nearly unprecedented Nielsen ratings and sparked a national conversation that remains to this day. Alex developed those talents for writing while serving as a Mess Attendant in the Coast Guard during WWII. Aboard ships in the Pacific theater, he would write letters for himself or fellow crewman to stave off boredom. He later wrote for service newsletters and, recognizing his talents, the Coast Guard granted his request to become a Journalist First Class in the newly created rate. And when the rate needed its first C

Some well known Hollywood icons that served in the US Military.

15. Alex Haley, U.S. Coast Guard - An American writer and author, Alex Haley is most noted for his 1976 book, Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The television mini-series of the same name was met with nearly unprecedented Nielsen ratings and sparked a national conversation that remains to this day. Alex developed those talents for writing while serving as a Mess Attendant in the Coast Guard during WWII. Aboard ships in the Pacific theater, he would write letters for himself or fellow crewman to stave off boredom. He later wrote for service newsletters and, recognizing his talents, the Coast Guard granted his request to become a Journalist First Class in the newly created rate. And when the rate needed its first Chief Petty Officer, that honor went to Alex. He served for 20 years and continued his writing until his death in 1992. In 1999, the Coast Guard honored Haley by naming a cutter after him.more...