Actor, sartorialist, and racing legend Steve McQueen, the “King of Cool” - 1959
Veterans Benefits Administration - It’s true: iconic “anti-hero” actor Steve McQueen served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and he was even demoted several times in three years! But there’s some actual hero to this tale, too. This week, we honor his service
Actor, sartorialist, and racing legend Steve McQueen, the “King of Cool,” served in the U.S. Marine Corps and he was also demoted seven times in three years?
However, McQueen--the classic "anti-hero"--later DID become a hero: he once saved five men from drowning in an exercise in the Arctic when their tank broke through sea ice. As a reward, he finished out his contract as an honor guard protecting President Truman’s yacht.
In 1952, McQueen used the GI Bill to study acting and, well, you know the rest. Thank you for your service, Steve!
