American Actors of Valor: Charles Bronson, Lee Marvin

Gunner on B-29 Superfortress, Marine Corps Sniper

Charles Bronson was drafted into the Army in 1943. Coming from humble beginnings as a coal miner in Pennsylvania, he became a B-29 Superfortress gunner located in Guam. He served 25 missions on the B-29 and was wounded receiving the Purple Heart medal.

Lee Marvin enrolled in the Marine Corps in 1942 and was sent to the South Pacific where he was a part of 21 separate invasions of islands held by the Japanese as a scout sniper. On Sipan, he was hit by machine gun fire which severed his sciatic nerve and shot in the foot. Most of his company was killed in that action. He went on like Bronson to become actors after the way and landed many roles that seemed to fit him well. I cant help but think, were they really acting as tough guys in their movies, or just being themselves?

Valor is in you. Set it free.