20 War Heroes That Went on to Achieve Massive Wealth

Written by Mariano Montagna on
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War heroes are often celebrated for their courage and sacrifice, but some carried those same qualities into civilian life, transforming them into extraordinary success stories. From generals who became political powerhouses to veterans who built global business empires, these individuals prove that bravery in war can translate into vision in peace. Their journeys remind us that discipline and strategic thinking are not only the essence of military triumph but also the pillars upon which immense wealth and influence are built in the modern world.

1. George Washington

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As Commander of the Continental Army, Washington led the American colonies to victory in the Revolutionary War. After becoming the first U.S. President, he amassed vast land holdings and wealth through agriculture and real estate, making him one of the richest Americans of his time.

2. Dwight D. Eisenhower

A smiling man in a beige military uniform and cap stands in front of a U.S. flag. His uniform displays many colorful ribbons and medals, and a military patch on his left shoulder.
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Eisenhower’s leadership as Supreme Allied Commander during WWII earned him global respect. His presidency and bestselling memoirs brought him financial success, while his influence shaped post-war America and secured lucrative speaking engagements and publishing deals.

3. Ulysses S. Grant

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Grant’s decisive victories in the Civil War propelled him to the presidency. Though he faced financial hardship later in life, his memoirs, published by Mark Twain, became a bestseller and secured wealth for his family after his death.

4. Sam Walton

An older man wearing a suit, tie, and a white and brown cap with "Wal-Mart" written on it, smiling at the camera against a plain background.
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A WWII Army veteran, Walton applied military discipline and logistics to retail. He founded Walmart in 1962, revolutionizing discount shopping and building one of the largest fortunes in American history.

5. Arnold Schwarzenegger

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After serving in the Austrian Army, Schwarzenegger moved to the U.S. and built a bodybuilding empire. He parlayed his fame into Hollywood stardom and amassed wealth through acting, real estate, and business ventures.

6. Howard Hughes

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Hughes contributed to wartime aviation through Hughes Aircraft during WWII. His innovations in aerospace, film production, and oil exploration made him one of the most eccentric billionaires of the 20th century.

7. J. Paul Getty

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Getty served during WWII and later expanded his family’s oil business into a global empire. Known for his frugality and art collection, he became one of the richest men in history.

8. Robert McDonald

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A U.S. Army officer and West Point graduate, McDonald transitioned into corporate leadership. He became CEO of Procter & Gamble, overseeing one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies.

9. Fred Smith

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Smith served as a Marine in Vietnam, where he learned the value of precision and logistics. He founded FedEx in 1971, transforming global shipping and becoming a billionaire entrepreneur.

10.  Paul Newman

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Newman served in the U.S. Navy during WWII before launching a legendary acting career. He founded Newman’s Own, a food brand that generated hundreds of millions in revenue, most of which was donated to charity, while still building personal wealth.

11. Bob Parsons

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A decorated Marine who served in Vietnam, Parsons used his GI Bill to study computing. He founded GoDaddy, a domain registrar and web hosting giant, and became a billionaire tech mogul.

12. Charles Schwab

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After serving in the U.S. Army, Schwab entered the financial world. He founded Charles Schwab Corporation, democratizing investing and building a multibillion-dollar financial services empire.

13. Henry Ford II

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Ford served in the U.S. Navy during WWII before taking over the family business. Under his leadership, Ford Motor Company expanded globally and became a symbol of American industrial power.

14. Ross Perot

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A former Navy officer, Perot founded Electronic Data Systems, pioneering IT services for corporations and governments. He later sold the company for billions and became a prominent political figure and philanthropist.

15. Ted Turner

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Turner served in the U.S. Coast Guard before founding CNN, the first 24-hour news network. His media empire and savvy investments made him one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in broadcasting.

16. George Steinbrenner

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Steinbrenner served in the U.S. Air Force before acquiring the New York Yankees. He turned the team into a global brand, generating billions in revenue and becoming a titan of sports business.

17. Richard DeVos

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DeVos served in the Army Air Corps during WWII and later co-founded Amway. His business acumen and conservative activism made him one of America’s wealthiest entrepreneurs.

18. S. Truett Cathy

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A WWII veteran, Cathy founded Chick-fil-A in 1946. His focus on service, values, and quality helped grow the brand into a multibillion-dollar fast-food empire.

19. Conrad Hilton

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Hilton served in the Army during WWI and used his discipline and vision to build Hilton Hotels. His chain became synonymous with luxury and global travel, securing his place among the richest hoteliers in history.

20. H. Ross Perot Jr.

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An Air Force pilot and son of Ross Perot Sr., Perot Jr. co-piloted the first helicopter circumnavigation of the globe. He later built AllianceTexas, a massive real estate development, and chairs The Perot Group, continuing the family’s legacy of wealth and innovation.