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Why was Steve Rogers rejected by the U.S. Army before becoming Captain America?

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Chris Evans as Captain America stands in costume holding his shield, with an American flag and sunlight in the background. — Captain America Chris Evans as the title character in *Captain America: The First Avenger* (2011), directed by Joe Johnston.

Steve Rogers was initially rejected by U.S. Army recruiters because of his small physical stature. Following this rejection, he volunteered to receive a top-secret serum, which transformed him into a "super soldier" and allowed him to join the military.12