Steve McQueen joined the Marines in 1947. While serving he was promoted to Private First Class and served with an armored unit, but was demoted back to private seven times. McQueen was thrown in the brig for overstaying a weekend pass and spent 41 days in the brig. While on the ship it hit a sandbank which threw several tanks and their crews into the water. McQueen was able to save 5 men from drowning. Because of his actions, McQueen was chosen to partake in the Honor Guard protecting Harry S. Truman's yacht. McQueen stayed with the Marines until 1950 when he was honorably discharged.