INSP is proud of our U.S. military forces, and we commend all who served to protect and defend our nation, past and present, in The Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

Let’s take a look at a few INSP stars who put on the uniform before they put on their costumes in Hollywood. We invite you to share stories and photos to honor the veterans in your life in the comments below. 

James Arness – Gunsmoke

U.S. Army, Battle of Anzio, WWII, Army Rifleman – Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, among others

Dan Blocker – Bonanza

U.S. Army, Korean War – Purple Heart

Peter Breck – The Big Valley

U.S. Navy

Leif Erickson – The High Chaparral

U.S.  Navy, WW II – Combat Photographer

Earl Hamner, Jr. – The Waltons

U.S. Army, WWII

Robert Horton – Wagon Train

U.S. Coast Guard, WWII

Cameron Mitchell – The High Chaparral

U.S. Army Air Corps – WWII Bombardier

Chuck Norris – Walker, Texas Ranger

U.S. Air Force – Air Force Veteran of the Year Award, 2001

Fess Parker – Daniel Boone

U.S. Navy, transferred to U.S. Marine Corps

Ralph Waite – The Waltons

U.S. Marine Corps

Guest Stars

Ernest Borgnine – Wagon Train

U.S. Navy, WWII

Chuck Connors – Gunsmoke

U.S. Army, WWII

Leonard Nimoy – Bonanza and Daniel Boone

U.S. Army Reserve

Dennis Hopper – Cheyenne

U.S. Navy, WWII – Bronze Star

INSP Movie Stars

Barry Corbin – Christmas in the Smokies

U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Vietnam

Kirk Douglas – The War Wagon

U.S. Navy, WWII

Robert Duvall – Open Range

U.S. Army

Sam Elliott – Conagher

California Air National Guard

Henry Fonda – Fort Apache

U.S. Navy, WWII – Bronze Star
Rank at completion of service was commissioned Lieutenant Junior Grade – Air Combat Intelligence

Glenn Ford – Cowboy

U.S Marine Corps Reserve, WWII
American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, U.S. Naval Reserve (1958), Navy Commendation Medal for service in Vietnam. Retired in 1970s with the rank of Captain.

James Garner – Support Your Local Sheriff!

U.S. Merchant Marine (WWII), Oklahoma National Guard, U.S. Army, Korean War – 2 Purple Hearts

Audie Murphy – Gunsmoke

U.S. Army, WWII
Became the nation’s most decorated WWII soldier with 33 awards and medals, including three Purple Hearts, one Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross.

Tom Selleck – The Shadow Riders

California National Guard

James Stewart – The Rare Breed

U.S. Army, WWII – Pilot, Brigadier General