Soldier Athletes

Stories of bravery and self-sacrifice from well known athletes who have served in the military.

-Ted Williams, Boston Red Sox outfielder, whose career was interrupted by service as a pilot during both World War II and Korea, where he saw combat and survived a crash landing.

-Rocky Bleier, Pittsburgh Steelers running back: Drafted in 1968, nearly lost a foot on a land mine during Vietnam War.

-Carlos May, Chicago White Sox outfielder, an emerging star whose fought to remain in the major leagues after a training accident during National Guard service caused him to lose his thumb.

-Pat Tillman, Arizona Cardinals defensive back who turned down a multi-million dollar contract to join the military after 9/11and was later killed in Afghanistan.