The angle with the Sheik brought Sergeant Slaughter to national prominence and made fans of not one, but two American Presidents. February 25 1984, was a huge night for Sarge. Though he had started the night as a heel, when The Iron Sheik, one of the most hated superstars on the roster, was brutalising Eddie Gilbert in the ring, Sgt Slaughter rushed down to make the save, and turn face. Told by Vince McMahon to do a 'something General Patton style', he cut one of the most impassioned promos of his career, ending with him (and the entire crowd in attendance) reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. https://youtu.be/lpcr3wxZVHk?t=1814 Later, at the height of his popularity, Slaughter received an invitation from President Reagan to a dinner at The White House. He shook the President's hand, received a salute and was even asked by the Commander-In-Chief if he would put the Cobra Clutch on him. The Secret Service weren't so keen on that idea. After that, he was lucky enough to be sat near former President Richard Nixon on an airplane. Again, the man was fan, again Sarge received a handshake and a salute. What transpired after both meetings was that both Presidents, upon seeing Sarge take to the ring that night in 1984, had risen to their feet, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance with him.
