10 Famous Vietnam Veterans You Never Knew

When we think of the Vietnam War, images of soldiers, protests, and historical events often come to mind. Yet, beyond the headlines and heroic stories, there are lesser-known tales of individuals who would go on to become influential or beloved public figures. Here are ten notable people who once served in Vietnam.

Jesse Ventura

Prior to his days as an action star and Minnesota Governor, Jesse Ventura spent six years in the US Navy. Serving with Underwater Demolition (SEAL) Team 12, he enlisted as the conflict was winding down and completed intense SEAL training. His background added authenticity to roles like Blain in “Predator.”

Harris Haywood

Harris Haywood, a legendary race car driver with five wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona, faced a different kind of challenge during the Vietnam War. Drafted into the army in 1970, he served as a specialist with the 164th Aviation Group near Saigon. He credits this experience with giving him an edge when he returned to racing in 1971.

Johnny Cash

In 1971, Johnny Cash traveled to Vietnam to perform for the troops, motivated by his strong sense of duty as a veteran and American patriot. His mission was to uplift the soldiers stationed far from home. However, after this tour, Cash’s views shifted, and he became a passionate anti-war advocate.

Kris Kristofferson

Despite attending Airborne, Ranger, and Flight schools, Kris Kristofferson’s Vietnam dreams took an unexpected turn when he was offered a teaching role instead of flying helicopters. Frustrated by the detour from his combat aspirations, Kristofferson resigned in 1965, his hopes of battlefield heroics still unfulfilled.

Oliver Stone

Before making his mark as a filmmaker, Oliver Stone was deep in the action. He enlisted in the US Army in 1967. From September 1967 to February 1968, Stone served with the 2nd Platoon, B Company, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, and was twice wounded during duty.

Bob Kerrey

Awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism, Kerrey’s daring actions came at a great personal cost, which left him severely wounded and ended his naval career. Yet, his fearless spirit and commitment didn’t stop there—he went on to shape American politics as a US Senator.

Dennis Franz

Best known for his role in “NYPD Blue,” Dennis Franz had a surprising start in Vietnam. Drafted immediately after graduating, he spent almost eleven months in a unit in Vietnam. The experience left him grappling with depression, but he channeled his struggles into creativity and joined the Organic Theatre Company.

Richard Chaves

In 1970, Richard swapped his civilian life for a uniform, committing three years of his life to the army, including a challenging tour in Vietnam. When his chapter closed, he didn’t take the conventional route; instead, he set his sights on the glitz and glamor of Hollywood.

Wes Studi

Wes Studi’s journey took a turn when he joined A Company of the 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. He served a 12-month tour in Vietnam, where his resilience was put to the test. Upon his discharge from the military, Studi shifted his focus to advocating for Native American rights.

Dale Dye

Dale Dye wasted no time after graduation, enlisting in the Marine Corps and heading straight into the battlefield. He saw action in 1965 and returned from 1967 to 1970, enduring some of the toughest battles. Dye made it through 31 major combat operations and solidified his reputation as a true Marine under fire.