U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw has become one of the most recognized figures in American politics, known not only for his sharp conservative stance but also for the distinctive eye patch he wears — a symbol of his service and sacrifice.
Before his political career, Crenshaw served as a Navy SEAL, where his life was forever changed during a mission in Afghanistan in 2012.
Commissioned as a Navy officer in 2006, Crenshaw completed two deployments to Iraq before being sent to Helmand Province, Afghanistan for his third mission.
Six months into the deployment, tragedy struck during a last-minute operation. As his platoon secured a compound, an interpreter named Raqman accidentally triggered an explosive device by stepping on a pressure plate.
Dan Crenshaw (Credit: YouTube)
The blast was devastating — Raqman lost his life, and Crenshaw was severely injured, losing his right eye.
The Congressman later described the experience as feeling like he’d been “hit by a truck” and “doused in Tabasco” — a vivid portrayal of the pain and shock.
Following the explosion, Crenshaw was placed in a medically-induced coma and evacuated to Germany, where surgeons removed the remnants of his eye and extracted shrapnel, including a copper wire lodged in his eye socket.
Recovery was long and grueling, taking nearly two years. Remarkably, after recovering, Crenshaw continued his military service, deploying to Bahrain and South Korea before eventually retiring and entering politics.
Crenshaw has since been candid about how self-conscious he feels when wearing his glass eye, admitting it often draws attention during public appearances.
As a result, he frequently opts for custom eye patches, many of which feature symbols honoring his Navy SEAL roots, such as the SEAL trident and the bonefrog emblem.
One of his most worn prosthetic eyes even incorporates a gold SEAL trident earring from Coronado, California, embedded into the glass.
Dan Crenshaw (Credit: X)
For Crenshaw, the eye patch is more than just a necessity — it’s a personal and symbolic piece of his identity, representing the sacrifices made in service to his country.
Today, as a U.S. Congressman for Texas’ 2nd district, Crenshaw balances his public service with a deep personal connection to his military past, carrying both his scars and his pride into every room he enters.
Former U.S. Representative Trey Gowdy (R-SC) — known for his sharp legal mind and TV presence — has drawn public attention in recent years over noticeable changes to his nose and overall appearance.
Observers have speculated about possible plastic surgery, a car accident, or even health-related weight loss as reasons for his more pointed and streamlined nose shape.
However, none of these theories have been confirmed by Gowdy himself. Despite online rumors and social media discussions, there’s no official statement explaining the change. Some suggest aging and natural facial changes are the most likely cause.
Trey Gowdy (Credit: YouTube)
Trey Gowdy, a former federal prosecutor, served in Congress from 2011 to 2019, chairing the House Benghazi Committee and the House Oversight Committee.
Known for his independence, Gowdy often clashed with his party — notably pushing back on Donald Trump’s claims of a 2016 campaign “spy”.
After retiring, he returned to law and became a Fox News host, most recently leading Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy.
For now, the reason behind Gowdy’s nose transformation remains private and unconfirmed, leaving fans to wonder — but with no clear answers.
