J.D. Salinger
The famous American novelist, known best for “Catcher in the Rye,” says his novel was heavily influenced by his experiences serving during World War II. As a U.S. Army sergeant, J.D. Salinger stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and marched through concentration camps, and the character of Holden Caulfield drew on these experiences. Salinger said the war changed him and Caulfield alike. Salinger has said that his 11 months in combat had an impact on every aspect of his life including his writing. Salinger’s daughter said that he spoke of Normandy often but never provided details.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson joined the U.S. Air Force straight out of high school. His military career didn’t last long, however, as he was medically discharged after just nine short months due to back problems. He did take away a bit of wisdom from his months served: “I was in the Air Force a while, and they had what they call ‘policing the area.’ I think that’s a pretty good thing to go by. If everyone just takes care of their own area, then we won’t have any problems. Be here. Be present. Wherever you are, be there. And look around you and see what needs to be changed.”
Benny Hill
Remember “The Benny Hill Show”? The British slapstick expert was known as one of the funniest silent showmen ever, reaching a record audience of more than 21 million people in 1971. Most people don’t know that Benny Hill also served time in the military. It’s true, I swear! Benny Hill served in the British Army as one of the electrical and mechanical engineers that arrived in Normandy during WWII on September 1, 1944. He was in the 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Battery. Hill was not a huge fan of his time in the service and preferred to not speak much about it.