Famous Veterans

Lawrence Brooks celebrated with a drive-by party at his New Orleans home hosted by the National World War II Museum.

Smith died on June 16 of complications from Parkinson's disease and COVID-19, his wife Lynda Smith said.

Gilbert Baker found his calling and community after the Army sent him to San Francisco in 1970.

Eric Carle was first conscripted by the German Army during World War II, then by the U.S. Army in 1952.

Vincent Patton III served as the eighth master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard from 1998-2002.

Orville Richard Burrell, who joined the Marines in 1988, later became a well-known musician known as Shaggy.

Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez became commander of coalition ground forces in the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq on June 14, 2003.

Montel Williams enlisted in the Marines and served in the Navy before becoming a television host and motivational speaker.

Ignoring enemy fire, Army Master Sgt. Jose M. Lopez killed at least 100 enemy soldiers during World War II.

After combat missions over Vietnam, Col. Guion S. Bluford Jr. flew on to become America's first Black astronaut.