These 15 successful Olympians also served in the US armed forces

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Louis Zamperini

Wikimedia Commons

Louis Zamperini inspects his damaged plane

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Starting this weekend, Olympians will compete in Rio to achieve athletic glory for their respective nations.

Also in attendance will be the numerous US athletes who have served their country in another way - by joining the armed forces.

Here are 15 other American Olympians who also served in the US military across history: