"Cowboys" in the Military

Here is a list of western actors who served in the military—most of them in WWII or the Korean War. This is just a foundation list, and I'm working on adding more details. If you notice any names missing, please let me know by commenting!

Some of these men gave more than just a few years of their life in service; Gunner's Mate Ernest Borgnine; Brigadier General James Stewart. Actor Audie Murphy is, to this day, one of the most highly decorated U.S. soldiers.




Arness, James

Autry, Gene

Blocker, Dan

Boone, Richard

Borgnine, Ernest

Brady, Pat

Brand, Neville

Brennan, Walter

Bronson, Charles

Carey Jr., Harry

Connors, Chuck

Curtis, Ken

Eastwood, Clint

Ebsen, Buddy

Evans, Gene

Fonda, Henry

Ford, Glenn

Ford, John

Garner, James

Graves, Peter

Greene, Lorne

Keith, Brian

Marvin, Lee

McQueen, Steve

Morris, Wayne

Murphy, Audie

O'Brian, Hugh

Palance, Jack

Parker, Fess

Perryman, Lloyd

Roberts, Pernell

Robertson, Dale

Stewart, James

Storch, Larry

Taylor, Buck

Van Cleef, Lee

Weaver, Dennis

Whitman, Stuart