He joined in the United States Marine Corps in 1963 , and served as a Marine in the Vietnam War , where he was seriously injured in 1965 near Da Nang -- his right arm shattered and partially paralyzed . He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1963 , and served as a Marine in the Vietnam War , reaching the rank of Corporal . He was seriously injured in 1965 near Da Nang -- his right arm shattered and partially paralyzed .