September 11th- What is a hero, celebrity edition!



This is always a sad day for me, but instead I have decided to focus on the people who continually keep up safe from terrorist attacks. Our military! My Dad sent me an email about some surprising military heroes. I was floored! I thought you would be too!



The actor, Lee Marvin, is buried in a grave alongside 3- and 4-star generals at Arlington National Cemetery. His marker gives his name, rank (PVT) and service (USMC). Nothing else. Here's a guy who was only a famous movie star who served his time. Why the heck does he rate burial with these guys?

Well, following is the amazing answer:

Many Hollywood stars served their country in the armed forces, in rear echelon posts where they were carefully protected, only to be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bond promotions. Lee Marvin was a genuine hero. He won the Navy Cross at Iwo Jima. There is only one higher Naval award... The Medal Of Honor!


UPDATE:
At age 41 when World War II started Clark Gable was exempt from the draft. Still he left a $30,000 a month job, enlisted in the Army as a private and worked his way up through the ranks. After graduating Officers' Candidate School in 1942 he attended aerial gunnery school, then served with the 8th Air Force in England. Though he flew combat bombing missions, his primary job was photographing other airmen in action for a movie to recruit airmen for the war effort. He completed my service as a major.

and
Jimmy Stewart joined the Army Air Force and flew 20 combat missions during which he earned the Distinguished Service Medal, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and four Air Medals. After retiring as a Brigadier General in the Air Force Reserves, he was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

9 comments:

LPC said...

Mr. Rogers was a Navy SEAL? Mr. Rogers was a Navy SEAL? Oh my god. Why is this not part of the popular knowledge? This requires processing. Thank you.

Jen said...

Wow, that is amazing about Mr. Rogers!

Jessi said...

What a great post.....

Julie said...

Great post! but I'm 99% sure that story about Mr. Rodgers is an urban legend. We heard it a few years ago and looked it up.

Headbands and Hand Bags said...

How cool is this post! Seriously gave me chills!

The Mrs. said...

Sadly the Mr. Rogers part and Captain Kanagroo parts were urban legend. Captian kangaroo was a marine though!

Pretty Personal Gifts said...

Dang!!!

LPC said...

Oh well. The people you have listed now are pretty cool.

nanny said...

Very interesting! Did not know these facts!!!