"In 1954, Rather enlisted in the United States Marine Corps but was soon discharged because he had rheumatic fever as a child."
Referenced quote from:http://www.notablebiographies.com/news/Ow-Sh/Rather-Dan.html
"Rather served a brief stint in the U.S. Marine Corps, but when his superior officers learned about his childhood bout with rheumatic fever, he was disqualified for military service for health reasons."
Right after Ivy League access, one thing the rich and powerful pay for is sanitized military discharge records, that their Senators demand.