Veterans Day Highlight: Notable Athletes Who Swapped Sports for Military Service

Recently, the global conflicts spurred the young people of America to embark on a mission of a lifetime: Defend the United States.

Many of the nation's greatest players, both men and women, seized the opportunity to defeat a real-world opponent, with American athletes taking hold of it.

In celebration of Veterans Day, Fox Nation's new special "Field of Valor" showcases the remarkable journeys of these former athletes who became devoted patriots.

The 10-part special examines the intersection of athletics and military service through the perspectives of Ted Williams, Jack Dempsey, Bob Feller, David Robinson, Eddie Feigner, Pat Tillman, Joe Louis, Roger Staubach, Iris Cummings, and Melissa Stockwell.

Ted "The Kid" Williams

During World War II, Ted Williams' athletic legacy was put on hold, but he later cemented himself in history as one of the greatest baseball hitters of all time.

In 1942, Williams was drafted into the military and joined the Navy Reserve in May. He went on active duty in 1943 and worked as a naval aviator, with no prior experience flying a plane.

In January 1946, Williams was discharged from the Marine Corps and subsequently rejoined the Boston Red Sox.

In 1952, after signing the largest contract in league history worth $100,000, Williams was summoned to serve in the Korean War.

In 1953, Williams returned to the Red Sox and lived out the rest of his illustrious career before retiring in 1960.

"Captain America" Roger Staubach

In 1963, during his junior season, Roger Staubach won the Heisman Trophy, which has been given annually since 1935 to the top college football player. Prior to becoming a Super Bowl MVP, Staubach led the huddle for the United States Naval Academy.

In 1965, after completing his studies at the Naval Academy, Staubach opted to serve a one-year tour of duty in South Vietnam as a volunteer.

In September 1967, after completing his tour, Staubach continued his naval career in the U.S. and began preparing for his future in the NFL.

In 1964, the Dallas Cowboys drafted Staubach as a "future" selection due to his four-year military commitment. He would not join the Cowboys until training camp in 1969, where he began a football career that is highly regarded today.

Melissa Stockwell

Melissa Stockwell, who lost her leg while on patrol in Iraq, gained recognition in the Paralympic community as a triathlon champion.

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Stockwell, a sophomore college student at the University of Colorado and a participant in ROTC, was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. She was later deployed to Iraq in March 2004.

In Baghdad, while leading a convoy, Stockwell lost her left leg when a roadside bomb exploded. Despite this, she was later selected for the Paralympics as a swimmer, making history as the first Iraq veteran to be chosen for the event.

Since the Beijing Paralympics, Stockwell has been successful in triathlons and remains a dominant force in the sport.

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