 As with many other aspects of L. Ron Hubbard 's life , accounts of his military career are much disputed . His account of his military service later formed a major element of his public persona , as depicted by his Scientologist followers . The Church of Scientology presents Hubbard as a " much @-@ decorated war hero who commanded a corvette and during hostilities was crippled and wounded . " According to Scientology publications , he served as a " Commodore of Corvette squadrons " in " all five theaters of World War II " and was awarded " twenty @-@ one medals and palms " for his service . He was " severely wounded and was taken crippled and blinded " to a military hospital , where he " worked his way back to fitness , strength and full perception in less than two years , using only what he knew and could determine about Man and his relationship to the universe . " 
