Uncle Si, 'Duck Dynasty' TV Star, Was a Soldier in Vietnam

Actor Silas "Si" Robertson, who played Uncle Si on TV Arts and Entertainment Network's series "Duck Dynasty" (2012-2017), also made a career in the Army.

Two weeks after he dropped out of Louisiana Tech in 1968, 20-year-old Robertson was drafted into the Army and after boot camp, deployed to South Vietnam.

While in Vietnam, Robertson's mother sent him a care package containing two jars of jalapeno peppers, a can of rice and beans, a pair of boots and a Tupperware cup. Robertson still has that cup and uses it for iced tea. It's also been featured on "Duck Dynasty."

On Oct. 17, 1969, Robertson finished his Vietnam tour and was assigned to Fort Devens, Massachusetts. While stationed there, he met his future wife, Christine.

Robertson retired from the Army in 1993 with the rank of sergeant first class. He is recognized for his military career with an exhibit at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe, Louisiana.

Robertson found employment at his brother Phil's Duck Commander business in West Monroe, Louisiana, which makes duck calls used by duck hunters.

Later, the Robertson family, including Si, became famous when they were featured in the Duck Dynasty reality television series. The series portrays the lives of the Robertson family, who became successful from their family-operated business.

On Nov. 13, 2013, Robertson was inducted into the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade's "Honorable Order of the Renegade Duck Hunter" at Fort Hood, Texas.

"It's a culminating award for a leader," said Army Lt. Col. William M. Dowling, of the 69th ADA.

"It only seemed fitting that Uncle Si, who has served in the Army and deployed to Vietnam, be inducted into the order, especially as air defenders are generally called the 'duck hunters' of the Army," Dowling said.

"He's made 'Duck Hunter' famous," Dowling noted, adding that the duck call was a unique way to recognize leaders within their field, both those whose branch was air defense as well as those who aren't.