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Athletes Who Are Military Heroes By   [94 more lists]

Athletes who were military heroes represent some of the bravest men and women to ever play professional sports. These Americans gave up the fame and fortune that would have come with being a professional athlete to serve their country. Many sacrificed more than that, giving up their lives on the front lines of World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War and the War in Iraq.

The military hero athletes on this list undoubtably include many names you know as sports stars first and soldiers second or vice versa but each has a story behind their service in the United States Armed Forces.

For some, that story includes leaving professional sports at the peak of their career to serve their country during wartime, such as legendary baseball player Bob Feller, boxer Joe Louis and baseball great Joe DiMaggio.

Others, such as basketball star David Robinson and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Art Donovan, their military service came before their professional sports careers as they were fortunate enough to return from battle healthy enough to continue.

Sadly, many were not so lucky. In one of the more recent cases, up and coming Arizona Cardinals football player Pat Tillman left the NFL shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks to become a U.S. Army Ranger. Tillman made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action in April 2004.

These notable athletes who served in the military may not have all been the best of their respective sports and may not have all been decorated soldiers but each of these fine men and women should be thanked for their service nonetheless.

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Rank   Name Born Nationality Birthplace Gender
  1. 1
    1976
    United States of America
    Bisbee
    Male
  2. 2
    1942
    United States of America
    Cincinnati
    Male
  3. 3
    1918
    United States of America
    Van Meter
    Male
  4. 4

    Jack Lummus

    1915
    United States of America
    Ellis County
    Male
  5. 5
    1945
    United States of America
    Oklahoma City
    Male
  6. 6
    1925
    United States of America
    St. Louis
    Male
  7. 7
    1918
    United States of America
    San Diego
    Male
  8. 8
    1921
    United States of America
    Buffalo
    Male
  9. 9
    1965
    United States of America
    Key West
    Male
  10. 10
    1911
    United States of America
    New York City
    Male
  11. 11
    1919
    United States of America
    Cairo
    Male
  12. 12
    1914
    United States of America
    La Fayette
    Male
  13. 13

    Caleb Campbell

    1984
    Male
  14. 14
    1880
    United States of America
    Factoryville
    Male
  15. 15
    1885
    United States of America, France
    San Gabriel
    Male
  16. 16
    1914
    United States of America
    Martinez
    Male
  17. 17

    Ray Evans

    1922
    United States of America
    Kansas City
    Male
  18. 18
    1946
    United States of America
    Appleton
    Male
  19. 19

    Jerry Coleman

    1924
    United States of America
    San Jose
    Male
  20. 20
    1925
    United States of America
    The Bronx
    Male
  21. 21

    Hobey Baker

    1892
    United States of America
    Bala Cynwyd
    Male
  22. 22
    1913
    United States of America
    Riverdale
    Male
  23. 23
    1977
    United States of America
    Provo
    Female
  24. 24

    Walton (Glenn) Eller

    Katy
  25. 25
    1902
    United States of America
    Atlanta
    Male
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