Lee Marvin: The Untold Stories of a WWII Scout Sniper

[@dbrinkm1]

Thank you for showing Lee Marvin's WW2 documentation. I was a big pharma rep [ Up John ] in 1974 and headquartered out of the reginal office in LA. We had some training exercises in infectious disease to attend to and stayed at the Universal Studios Hotel at Universal City. Lee used to hang out there and spent some time in their bar for sandwiches and libation. Af ew of our sales reps were there one evening talking to him and I will never forget what he told them., He said "regardless of what I ever achieve in Hollywood, I want to be remembered for my service to my country in WW2 as a US Marine. Everything else is secondary and non important in comparison." Being a disabled Vn Era Combat Medic and Surgical Technician. I was most impressed and proud to have Lee as a fellow veteran who served his country with honor in time of war....Dana First Army MEDDAC Dept, Surgery and CMS Veteran Representative retired,, ex big pharma rep. and Science Teacher.. Thank you all veterans for your service to our country !

[@ronaldlollis8895]

Thank you, Sir, for your service to our Nation and her Constitution. We had family members in Vietnam. It was real for them. God Bless you, Welcome Home, soldier! We don’t take it for granted, ever.

[@dbrinkm1]

@@ronaldlollis8895Thank you !

[@jimmckay6746]

His son Chris was my roommate back in the nineties (he was a great drummer - passed away a few years ago). He had the best stories, and I even got to talk to his mom (she was a pilot, like me) and his ex, Michelle, on the phone. They were both very nice. Chris had a great big family photo album and showed me many AWESOME family photos. He had his dad's gravelly voice and a heart of gold. He told me that when he was 5 years old on the set of "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence" that he was invited to sit in on a poker game with John Wayne, director John Ford and a few other actors, where he "won" 5 bucks. His dad was in his trailer (not at the poker game), and when Chris proudly showed him the money when he got back, Lee marched him back to the trailer where they were playing poker, and made him give back the 5 dollar bill. Chris shared all kinds of such moments with me. He was obviously very proud of his dad.

[@mwbright]

Chris was my best friend when we were kids! His dad lived about a hundred yards from our house. I knew all the Marvins really well. The girls and I are all Facebook bunkies now. I loved Lee.

[@jimmckay6746]

@@mwbright awesome! I remember talking to his sister who I believe she lived in KC. I don't recall her name (Christine?). I was a Niner fan and she was a Chiefs fan, so we had a friendly argument over who was going to win in an upcoming game. This was back in around the 90's, when Chris and I were roomies in Petaluma CA. His other sister, who was in LA I think, sent Chris a couple of shirts that were worn on the Cosby Show...I think she worked in wardrobe. Chris gave me the shirts, which I wore for many years. Never met Lee though, since he had already died. I sure wish I did!

[@VestigesofHistory]

@@mwbright Thats awesome, I have always wanted to speak with Les kids, you are so fortunate!

[@brentinnes5151]

Dirt Dozen...will always be my favourite...just something about him that embodied everything in a tough GI and super cool..oh and he is a real war hero

[@clausosorensen4681]

Dear Jim and mwbright, I came across this wonderful documentary and pleased to find your comments. I became a close friend with Chris in the latter part of the nineties up until his untimely passing. I had the fortitude of helping Chris through some difficult times that ultimately got him balanced and where he subsequently returned home to help his mother. I would regularly visit in Santa Barbara and cherished the many stories shared around the dinner table. Yes Chris was very proud of his dad and truly missed him following his passing. Thank you for your little stories, it put a smile on my face in remembrance of Chris - Claus

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

One of my favorite actors, I'd watch anything with him in it.

[@mlovmo]

Have you seen the made-for-TV-movie (but didn't get on TV cause it was too violent) "The Killers?" That one's my favorite after Point Blank.

[@KikiRevenge]

Me too. I just realized he was 43 when he made Dirty Dozen. He looks at least 10 years older than that in the film. Dude must have lived a hard life.

[@tomtweed2138]

Have you seen "The Wild One" ? With Marlon Brando, the motorcycle club, Black Rebels. Lee Marvin as "Chino" really steals the show, imho.

[@johnd.8224]

Met him in San Diego in the fall of 1968 if memory serves. Some sort of celebration going on in SD & I along with others partying in a house near Balboa park, Some of our group who were marines ran into him & brought him to thee house. He bankrolled food & drink for two days. Respected by all of us. Good man.

[@VestigesofHistory]

That's a helluva story! Legendary!

[@raylocke282]

My mother and I met him as a tourist when stopped over in Northern Ontario Canada in 1962 .I said " Look mom ,Lee Marvin.He just smiled and continued walking.

[@farmrrick]

But you should have bought him everything .

[@johnd.8224]

@@farmrrick He knew we did not have money enough for the style he thought we should have. None was extravagant, pizza, beer, some whisky, some wine, and burgers. We respected him and appreciated his service. He was a good dude.

[@Mike583]

@farmrrick Maybe,but remember, this was '68, He was already a movie star & making a lot of money. Probably a lot more than the others!

[@kvl505]

He is buried Arlington. Of all his accomplishments in life, read his headstone. It says it all. Thanks for this wonderful video.

[@VestigesofHistory]

Thank you! Where do you think this video will do the most good? Share it!

[@MikeMarley-r9s]

My brother is laid to rest there also.RIP Brother.

[@kevinbarrett9615]

Lee Marvin was a badass, on and off screen, respect.

[@jayallen4785]

Always loved Lee Marvin growing up in a military family and my father having seen combat as a tail gunner in a B17, everything was always about service to country. Many actors from that Era were combat veterans and were great role models for following generations.

[@2persons]

Hey jayallen4785 My dad was navigator on a B17 we should start a club lol.

[@jayallen4785]

@@2persons that's cool. Mine went on to become a navigator/Bombardier on a B52. Those guys were hard men, but they were good men. Nice to meet you sir.

[@jayallen4785]

You know, there wasn't so many of those guys that survived. ​@@2persons

[@brentinnes5151]

I couldnt even imagine being on a B17 in peacetime!! they were just unbelievable

[@larryjohnson7591]

You covered this very well. No embellishment, just the straight facts. I liked Lee Marvin as an actor and as a man. Thank You.

[@VestigesofHistory]

I appreciate you sir

[@gregdavis19]

Very well!

[@trickywoo5165]

Many great role’s, i really liked emperor of the north 👌🏻

[@ronfullerton3162]

If it could be found, Johnny Carson on the "Tonight Show" went after Lee Marvin about his service, and had dug up some of the "dirt" ahead of time. Lee, as most vets, didn't want to talk about it, but Johnny persisted. Johnny knew he had been shot and awarded the Purple Heart, and kept after Lee, "Where did you get shot at"? Lee finally answered that he was carried off the battlefield laying on his stomach. And that was all he would say. Class act! On the "Tonight Show" replays, I keep looking for it, yet have never seen it. Glad I at least got to see it.

[@trappersnapp]

@@ronfullerton3162 On the Dick Cavett Show back in '70, he was asked the same thing by Dick and he just lit a cigarette, took a long drag off of it, then looking at the crowd and not Cavett, told him that he got shot in the ass...the crowd was rolling in the floor!...pure gold!

[@bobgodfrey9524]

WWII Hollywood types were so much better than what we have today. Having served in the Infantry in Viet Nam I totally get what he went through. RIP Lee.

[@theJohnGaltLine]

Lee Marvin and Lee Van Cleef are my two favorite movie "tough" guys of all time. Both veterans of WWII. Both always stood out in whatever roles they played.

[@mnoliberal7335]

I was in Washington, D.C. for a conference and took time for a walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Came across Lee Marvin USMC not knowing he was buried there and checked out his Marine service. Lee Marvin earned those decorations and Brokaw wasn't exaggerating when he called them the Greatest Generation.

[@billlewis8711]

Yes a great generation, but the greatest was the Revolutionary War era. By WW2 we were military elite. In the 1700s we were mostly farmers, small businesses & King George resistance. They sacrificed all, fought the world’s best … and won! And now ingrates are tearing down their statues… Despicable!

[@rodneymoore7270]

AMEN!

[@sunriseboy4837]

@@billlewis8711 👍

[@JohnnySplattWadd]

When men were MEN!!!!!!

[@debbresser4908]

Now I understand why my father, a retired Marine, liked him so much

[@sharbymj]

I would watch Lee's movies with my dad. Never knew that Lee had such a distinguished military career. My dad served in WWII. He was in Hawaii, France and Germany. I wish I had asked my dad more about his service. My son served and fought both in Iraq and Afghanistan. Me, I just did the Navy...

[@fernandogagliardo6618]

Lee Marvin was a beast of actor, his face, his eyes, really scaring in his typical roles of thoug man, a real marine soldier. A throuly legend.

[@bigdmister]

In the early 70’s I was fortunate to have met him while he was shooting a movie in Canada. The conversation didn’t last long but I will never forget it. He was larger than life.

[@484848474]

I had the same pleasure. He was filming in and around Calgary Alberta. I met him in front of the Paliser hotel.

[@bigdmister]

@@484848474 His movie was being shot just east of Strathmore. We gleaned at the time he was staying at the Palliser so this was exactly the same time. When we encountered him he had just left the set and was returning to Calgary.

[@gud2go50]

I am a retired Marine and was stationed just about everywhere Lee was stationed in his early enlistment! I did not know this until watching your video! I always admired Lee Marvin (the good and bad stuff) as well. I now plan to buy a couple of the books about him. Thanks for covering him in this video! Once a Marine, always a Marine as they say!😊

[@VestigesofHistory]

Thank you for your service

[@bobpickett3788]

Ooo-Rah! SEMPER FI, Marine!

[@raulmarquez5485]

A lot of actors and professional athletes served in WW II. They were the greatest generation. No wonder Mr. Marvin played the part of military men so well; he was a bad ass Marine. Thanks for great video!

[@gklein4054]

I went to Saint Leo in the late 60s early 70s there is Saint Leo Hall. He was one of our heroes. I looked into his military service and made him even more of a hero. My dad was third armor division and he looked at me when I mentioned his name, and said one of the best.

[@fngrusty42]

Lee Marvin, Burt lancaster, Were without a doupt the best actors Hollywood would ever see. Born in the 50s seen all thier movies. Great video , thank you.

[@VestigesofHistory]

Agreed!

[@petervanderbeek9518]

Lee Marvin a man's man

[@ouiroc]

A marine's Marine

[@xstensl8823]

he was my neighbor in Malibu. bad ass with a heart of gold

[@user-DrJoe-Future]

When it comes to KZbin, you can only do what you can do. No one can figure them out. There is zero consistency. This was an outstanding video on Lee Marvin -- fantastic job!

[@VestigesofHistory]

Thank you!

[@brentinnes5151]

A+ for sure

[@lyndatrones1787]

I think we all could sense there was something very special about Lee Marvin and of course here it is.. God bless you for telling us what Marine hero Lee Marvin would not

[@georgedunkelberg5004]

MARKETING TO THE SHEEPLED HERDS OF PATRIOTIC VOLUNTEERS OF THE VERY-OVERLY EQUALIZED US TAX SYSTEM.

[@richcarrCCC]

I am among the many fans of Lee Marvin and thank you so much for your efforts in putting this impressive 'short/mini' documentary of him. The quality of your research, content, editing, and finished product is very impressive and did Lee Marvin right.

[@VestigesofHistory]

Thank you very much! Share it where you think it'll do some good!

[@Paladin1873]

Based on another account I read, Marvin's wound was much more serious than what he described to his parents. His sciatic nerve was severed. When he was finally placed on a stretcher, he was soon blown off it by the demolition of a captured Japanese ammo dump. He landed on his wound, further exacerbating his condition. He was evacuated to a hospital ship and spend the next 13 months in Navy hospitals recuperating. During his recovery he learned he had very narrowly avoided being permanently paralyzed. Meanwhile, his brother, Robert, and father, Lamont, were still serving in Europe. Lamont had been a decorated veteran of WWI who volunteered to serve again in WWII. Shortly after the war ended and the entire family was finally reunited, Lamont had a nervous breakdown. All three Marvin men were dealing with stress and depression, so Lee's mother, Courtenay, quit her successful career and relocated the family to the sleepy little hamlet of Woodstock, NY. Lee later tried to reenlist in the Corps, but his disability prevented this. The rest is history.

[@VestigesofHistory]

From his medical records, he actually tried to go back on the line twice after recuperating and began complaining about pain in his sciatic and the doctors did shallow surgeries to get out little bits of shrapnel at least twice

[@andysear]

I always liked Lee Marvin's performances on screen and have heard some things about his military experiences but nothing as detailed as this. You did a great job presenting this information and I thank you for it. Lee Marvin was a Man's man and a damned good Marine as well. Thanks for bringing this to us all.

[@seniormgtow7478]

Been to Arlington, seen Lee Marvin's site. Lee Marvin is buried next to Joe Lewis (Barrow). According to Tour Guides at Arlington. When Joe Lewis died, he was pennyless having been cruelly "Robbed" by former managers. Lee Marvin, being a "friend", paid for Joe Lewis' monument at the grave site and then "requested" the site next to Joe Lewis be reserved for him. This was against Cemetery policy, but the site was reserved for Lee Marvin. Lee Marvin is buried with a typical Veteran's headstone right beside the Monument to Joe Lewis.

[@printman90606]

That is incorrect, Max Schmeling, a friend, heavyweight boxing world champion (and one of Joe Lewis' pallbearers) paid for the monument, the VA covered the costs of burial (except the casket) as they do for every honorably discharged veteran. And had it not been for President Reagan, Joe Lewis would not have been buried in Arlington, as he did not meet the qualification criteria established by the Dept of the Army (Arlington is not a part of the VA administered National Cemetery System, it is an Army administered cemetery)

[@jimmeerpohl8094]

@@printman90606 Joe Louis is the correct spelling ofthat great champion

[@karlheinzvonkroemann2217]

@@jimmeerpohl8094 Sad! If you're going make a post at least spell the man's name correctly along with the the correct FACTS of what you're trying to say. How BTW did Joe Louis rate a burial in Arlington? He was NEVER in any combat at all. Is being buried in Arlinton that political? I guess it is... Now Max Schmeling, who really was a good friend of Joe Louis', helped pay Louis' medical bills later in life and was a pallbearer at his funeral. Boxing wise they were 1-1 with Schmeling winning the first of the two bouts that they had. Max Schmeling was a German Paratrooper in WW2 that btw was a combat veteran and by all accounts NOT the fanatical Nazi that he was portrayed to be by the American press.

[@Krig313]

Lee Marvin was an original bad ass!

[@brentinnes5151]

Burt Lancaster was older but those two together would be a reckoning

[@princejohn6560]

you can just picture him in any tough guy role doing it better than the guy who was cast. I always thought he would have made a great Max Cady or Quint from Jaws.

[@deannag48]

🇺🇸✨ LEE MARVIN WAS ONE IN A MILLION!!! 🇺🇸✨ THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE & YOUR INCREDIBLE FILM CAREER ✨🕊️ RIP 🇺🇸

[@rodneymoore7270]

Funny as you were closing his military service part and talking about his start in Hollywood I thought about his roles (2 characters) in Cat Ballou just before you mentioned it, I did not know he won an Academy Award for those roles. I remember him being an unlikely singer "I WAS BORN UNDER A WANDERING STAR". He was the perfect senior NCO in "THE BIG RED ONE" which came out just before my time in the service began. In that one he picks up a new sqad member's shot out testicle and told him how lucky he was to be going home mostly intact and said "THAT'S WHY GOD GAVE YOU TWO". I just learned that he died a couple of weeks ago and celebrate who he was and thanks to his work who he will always be. A HERO THEN AND NOW! UHHH WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR!!!!! A Marine!

[@donkavalary1005]

Lee was my favorite actor, he was certainly a man's man! As a combat marine in Vietnam I feel like I know what hell he must have gone through on siapan! Thank you for this great insight on Mr. Lee Marvin's life!

[@paulwee1924dus]

Lee Marvin , Charles Bronson, David Niven , Telly Savalas, Tony Curtis etc. all WW2 veterans.

[@willl7780]

james gardner was a korean war vet...loved me some rockfard files

[@terrybader8595]

Garner was tremendous. Don't forget Donald Pleasance, his co-star in "The Great Escape". Pleasance was offering advice to the director on the POW experience during filming and was chastised. Legend has it that Garner and Charles Bronson dressed down the director, informing him of Pleasance's WW2 POW experience. @@willl7780

[@gretchenkaszuba734]

Jimmy Stewart too

[@billdanosky]

Christopher Lee.

[@Ron-d2s]

Jon Pertwee, Doctor Who #3, was assigned to the HMS Hood. the Hood was lost with 3 sailors plucked from the water and 3 left on land for training, Jon was one of the 3 on land.

[@FERNANDOAMENDIVIL]

~ EPICsode ~ THANK GOD FOR STILLS, FOOTAGE & RERUNS.

[@alanchurch8787]

Wonderful recollection! A favorite actor on TV and on the big screen. M Squad, The Dirty Dozen among so many. Thank you for this recollection!

[@paulgrima3812]

Met Lee in cairns of Australia in the 70’s. lee loved marlin fishing and that’s what he came here for. He was a great guy, and that voice … RIP Mr Marvin

[@crankybastid2197]

This was awesome. He was always one of my favourite actors. Thank you for making this.

[@MarkMeade-e1y]

What a man , and what a life and what a legacy. Lee Marvin a true legend and gentleman and sorely missed .

[@ronaldlollis8895]

Lee Marvin was a solid straight up Marine! Semper Fi, Brother! No wonder he was so authentic in "The Dirty Dozen", like Gunny, he lived it, breathed it, held it high and Honored His Blood Covenant Oath. I have to correct you on something in your narration, we (the US military and US citizens) did not have/use the 5.56mm NATO M16 platform during World War Two. The Marine Corps standard service rifle he qualified on was the Springfield 1903A3 bolt action rifle in .30-‘06, sniper rifles were typically hand selected for better accuracy and had a Unertil optic mounted on it. Sometimes also a Weaver 10X scope. He would also have qualified with the 12guage pump shotgun( usually the Winchester 1897, but Ithaca’s, Savage’s and Remington’s too) and by late 1943 the M1 Garand in our standard service caliber .30-‘06 and the 110 grain .30 caliber Ball round for the Winchester carbines. So, with all due respect, correct your narrative so it is accurate. Thank you!

[@paulciccarello661]

Great story about a Hollywood hero from the greatest generation

[@rickreese5794]

Lee spent a lot of time in Tucson AZ, Met an old coin dealer that knew him. He had tremendous respect for Lee.😊

[@mpista7182]

My Uncle was an Army sniper in WWII and I watched this to understand what his experience was like,

[@geneheck]

One of my favorite actors. Thank you for this telling of his story. Unfortunately many of our actors served in WW2 and didn't really receive the recognition they richly deserved. You would never know it by their actions and lives later. Although they are gone now I'll still say for them, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

[@deejay4922]

This is a well done synapsis of a certain period of life of an American icon. Thank you.

[@johnmohanmusic]

Lee Marvin, an actor and a man (today a rare combination).

[@kenhurley4441]

What a great story! I knew he was a war veteran (as many of my family members) but didn't know he was that quality of a Marine! My uncle Lawrence never came home from the Philippines. I have his 48 star flag that was on his casket! Thank you all for your service in hopefully our last WW!

[@mikemotor-tom5474]

He was always one of my favorite actors ! They don't make-em like the used too. Very impressive 👏

[@marksasahara1115]

Hell In The Pacific is a pretty amazing film. It's just Lee and Toshiro Mifune! I would think that this was a very profound and cleansing project for this Marine Scout Sniper. So many actors served in WWII, it's incredible!

[@marksasahara1115]

Thank you!

[@richardmardis2492]

It’s always interesting that a couple of decades earlier- they really were trying to kill each other.

[@kenandbarbie-b6c]

Toshiro Mifune was also a veteran, but on the opposing side.

[@duanekirish2970]

This is a well done documentary, love the details and the sources cited. Lee was a true war hero like so many of that generation. Well done.

[@duanekirish2970]

There was a document that was briefly shown I think it was his service history or dd214? Can you post it or identify it?

[@jaredclawson1813]

Gilhooly! A distant cousin that I didn't get to meet. Love his shows and persona. Really appreciate hearing and seeing these stories come with new life. They need to be told everyday. So thankful for the greatest generation and those who proceeded them.

[@johnlozauskas778]

I'm going to take a different track. I LOVE it when a historian gets excited about the material he is telling the story about.

[@grantpedder7719]

Well told story. Didn't realise that apart from being a WW2 hero, he was a nice guy.

[@conradnelson5283]

Cat Ballou was epic. Lee was perfect as a good guy and as a bad guy.. the music was wonderful. Jane was Cute for the last time. Thank you, Lee

[@jimmungai1938]

To Lee Marvin, thank you for your service to our country you were a great man you rest in peace, sir

[@46bovine]

I always liked Lee Marvin, he was a great actor!

[@unkwm128]

Thank You for the exposure to Lee Marvin's story

[@citizen4power]

Always a favorite of mine,seemed like a great guy and a badass in real life. They sure don't make em like that anymore. Much respect,RIP brother.

[@davidpeters6536]

Great actor I always enjoyed watching. He had intensity like Burt Lancaster but could pull off a comedy role too. A good bloke too so they say, a courageous veteran of WWII who will live on in his many films.

[@trickywoo5165]

always likes Marvin, Emperor of the north is a cozy film imo

[@joepickett7084]

What a great coverage of not only a Hollywood star, but a true American! Thank you for that, Lee was one of my favorites as a kid, The Dirty Dozen, Cat Balou, The Big Red One, and so many others were really great, I did not know the rest of the story. So many actors fought in WWII, I am not sure that would happen today, they volunteered.

[@rodneymoore7270]

LEE MARVIN ROCKS!!!! TO LEE regarding your service with the USMC .... THANK YOU SIR!!!

[@keithprinn720]

I was at Cairns game fishing club the day it was announced he was gone, quite a character and massive influence and person in the town when visiting.

[@klauskainzinger9978]

One of my all time favourite actors and human being. What a legend he was. Straight forward with integrity and dignity. I have never seen a bad film with him. And one of the best he stared in : The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

[@petem7118]

Christopher Lee is an actor who was definitely a ‘bad ass’ and his exploits are still subject to Top Secret classification….. started his experience in Finland before WW2 started in Europe fighting the Russians in the ‘Winter War’ then into the SOE and it was said by Ian Fleming that part of the James Bond character he wrote was based on Lee…. Then of course David Niven, an officer in the commandos who was a famous actor who could have avoided wartime service let alone service in the commandos by staying in the US upon UK declaration of war against Germany….. but one actor I always think of is the British actor Richard Todd a very well known actor who was an actor in the movie The Longest Day he played Major Howard who led British airborne assault on Pegasus Bridge on early morning of DDay…. his character Major Howard was in dialogue on the bridge with another character, a Lt. Richard Todd played by another actor….. as Richard Todd himself was one of the airborne forces that were also on the bridge that day…. must have been surreal to be acting alongside someone acting as you….!! Then of course, there’s Donald Pleasance, actor from the Great Escape and Halloween etc…. He was part of a bomber crew who flew 60 operations over Europe and was shot down towards the end of the war and was a POW for the last year of the war…. There’s a great story about him on the set of the Great Escape making a suggestion to the director Sturges and being vilified for doing so… but James Garner and Charles Bronson (both veterans themselves) had a word with Sturges and put him straight about Pleasance… indeed some say Bronson had a very colourful discussion with the director and from that day on, Sturges would always ask for Pleasance’s input on his scenes….. it was Donald Pleasances idea about placing the pin on the floor in order to convince Richard Attenboroughs character that he could see just fine….! Another great actor rarely mentioned is Anthony Quayle who spent a lot of his service behind enemy lines and was awarded several medals for his actions…. So many great actors proved their mettle in WW2…. Thanks for sharing mate 👍

[@VestigesofHistory]

Thank you!

[@rickstrandberg6398]

I will never forget our great American heroes, and I loved watching Lee in the movies. Some of my favorite: Death Hunt, Donovan's Reef,and of course the Dirty Dozen.

[@VestigesofHistory]

🫡

[@laughingram7287]

“Emperor of the North” was another good movie with Lee Marvin.

[@okiepita50t-town28]

What a great actor and patriot. That generation produced many men like that. My father was in the battle of the bulge among many others. They were indeed the greatest generation.

[@franksantucci3038]

On his death bed, Lee Marvin's last words were , once a Marine, always a Marine... Semper Fi Mac

[@VestigesofHistory]

Oorah

[@atomicwedgie8176]

@@VestigesofHistory oohrah!

[@AllenPaulTrego]

Semper Fi.

[@franksantucci3038]

Not only was Lee a scout Sniper, he was also Battalion Recon, their patch consisted of a black diamond with a skull and crossbones and 5 stars, with the words swift, silent and deadly. Very impressive group, not quite force Recon, or Marine Corps Raiders, but still TOP SHELF... Semper Fi Mac

[@acpacp7480]

Always a fan of great American veteran and actor Lee Marvin.

[@sunriseboy4837]

The thing about LB, was, he was just so damn likeable. I wish I had that attitude of 'having no attitude'. Great guy.

[@StratBurst92]

Excellent presentation, Lee was one of my favorite actors. First time I saw him was when he played Chino in The Wild One with Brando. He also impressed me when he was in the twilight zone episode Steel.

[@cleondubois1270]

We owe a lot to that generation and Lee Marvin was a great example of it. My father was a U.S. Army engineer and operated heavy equipment (bulldozers) in the Pacific theatre. Used to ask him about the war & he never wanted to talk about it.

[@Rgarizonahomestead]

Interesting information on a great actor. Thanks for sharing

[@markt5746]

Thanks for this. Lee Marvin was always one of my favorite actors. Especially knowing he was on Enewetak. I was there in the late 70’s for the radiation cleanup. Thanks for the info.

[@jimharringtonsr.2793]

Great job. I guess he iused to show up at a bar in Tucson AZ in the early 70's, just a regular guy. Always liked him.

[@rickb5946]

WOW! Great story! Lee Marvin, great American!!

[@AirborneSkier]

Brilliant! Well researched and documented on one of my all time favorite Hollywood actors.

[@VestigesofHistory]

Thank you very much!!

[@patrickdurham8393]

Semper Fi and RIP to legend. Loved him in the movies.

[@jamesbond4633]

Very interesting. I saw him in an interview with Dick Cavet and he really down played his military service. From this I realize how deeply he was involved in WWII. THanks for posting.

[@joshuanicholsjr5327]

always loved Lee Marvin he looked a lot like my grandfather and he was a great man

[@busterdee8228]

My dad was in the 4th (Motor-T). I still have his uniform, French trench knife, and bayonet. I lost his pack, floatation belt, and helmet playing army as a kid (or they were stolen). He loved the Marines but got out to care for his mom. His sporterized Arisaka is still in the family. I don't know if he had it done or if he bought it that way post war. The bore is still perfect. Thanks for your respectful and interesting doco.

[@nunyabeeswax3936]

Thank you , Lee Marvin !

[@gregdavis19]

1 month boot camp that would have been nice. I entered the Marine Corps June 1981 our boot camp MCRD San Diego was 11 weeks. I realize during WWII the Marine Corps needed men and needed them now. Semper Fi brother.

[@americathefree3708]

You did a great job for a great man! Thank you.

[@VestigesofHistory]

Thank you too!

[@daveclick9203]

Thank you for giving well-deserved respect to a GREAT AMERICAN! May he never be forgotten!

[@kmafdlmagotg8328]

I can watch any of his movies and not be disappointed one bit.

[@Paladin1873]

Even Paint Your Wagon? 😁

[@georgedunkelberg5004]

JUST! WATCHING SOOTHS THE FERVIDNESSES OF A NO SKIN IN ANY WAR "GAME" OF ALL COUCHED PATRIOTS!

[@greggb1416]

@@Paladin1873 for sure..! One of the best…

[@anthonycosta39]

I knew Lee Marvin personally and I knew him to be a real good guy.

[@marijooneill8015]

Love this story such a great guy and a great career.

[@gklein4054]

Find historical work. Appreciate this very much carry forward sir. I’ll be watching.

[@globalchaos1984]

So glad I found this channel! ❤❤❤❤

[@VestigesofHistory]

Welcome!!

[@Arborist1959]

Semper Fi!Mr.Marvin you were always one of my Favorite Americans!

[@VestigesofHistory]

🙏

[@icewaterslim7260]

My favorite Lee Marvin movie was: "Emperor of the North". His entrance in "Cat Ballou" is what made me a fan.though Hollywood stars aren't my usual subjects for attention as a fan..I did not realize his schedule as a Marine Combat Veteran was quite as full as it was. He was always so modest when the subject came up . . . Thanks for posting.

[@VestigesofHistory]

Thank you!

[@diogenio]

My father was a Sargent in the “Fighting 4th” USMC Division. He knew Marvin, as they fought side by side in the battle of Saipan. He had the utmost respect for Lee and was a big fan of his acting after the war. Marvin got hit on Saipan, while dad made it through and later fought on Iwo Jima, where he was badly hit and nearly died. Dad spent 3 years in VA hospitals, being put back together. He was disabled as a result but said he would do it again in a heartbeat. Lee Marvin and my father represented the very best that America has ever offered. RIP, gentlemen, HOO RAH and Semper Fi. You will never be forgotten.

[@VestigesofHistory]

Thanks for sharing!

[@crazycoyote1738]

Fascinating, thanks for researching and sharing this!!

[@trime1851]

WOW! Great video! Lee Marvin was always one of my favorite actors. And I have seen his grave at Arlington Cemetery.

[@EarlSChristy]

I watched an episode of my favorite prime time show when I was in junior high school named 'Combat' this evening. Its reruns on an antenna tv network on Saturday nights from 10 PM EST to midnight 2 episodes. Lee Marvin co stared in one episode this evening & he just blew the top off the character (an ultra tough Sargent) he was playing. As good as acting as I've ever seen on tv. And like this video mentions he handles & in this show is an expert in class C explosives.

[@greggb1416]

OMG Earl, I am a 61yrs young man.., used to watch “Combat” and “Rat Patrol”…, your comment made me think of them, and I had completely forgot about “Combat”. Thank you sir.

[@GeoTactics]

Awesome story. Lee is one of my all time fav actors. Glad to hear that acting was his method of coping with PTSD. And wow... 21 D-Days!!! Holy Cow.

[@VestigesofHistory]

Those D-Days are very small unit actions such as hitting garrisoned sandpits and smaller atolls

[@GeoTactics]

@@VestigesofHistory Indeed. And more dangerous since they were a small unit on their own.

[@jamesmaize6830]

I was married to Lee's stepdaughter, (Pam's 2nd daughter)... from 1986 till several years. I knew Lee pretty well in his last year. He died alone which is not the way it got reported but his wife Pam was in her hometown of Woodstock New York when he died. As I too am a Marine Corps vet... he and I got on well. This was in Tucson Arizona. He enjoyed living there and Tucsonan's thought it was cool seeing him around... driving his car... an Imperial I think but it was a convertible and he enjoyed being seen. He was very proud of his Marlin trophies and he had several. He liked showing him catching one which aired on American Sportsman on ABC. As for his war experience... he didn't want to talk about it. My father... a Marine who fought at Guadalcanal... was the same way. Lee most definitely was anti-war but gave his acting services to narrate USMC training stuff. Sad to say it but hard living did him in young. He died at age 63 or 64. His last movie was Delta Force.

[@ctmasonry4222]

Very well put together production. Thank you for sharing.

[@VestigesofHistory]

Thank you very much!

[@AintNoFool]

Loved this!! Thanks! ❤🎉

[@VestigesofHistory]

Thank you! Please share it!!

[@sum12see]

I have always liked his works ..I knew he was a veteran,but you told great details in this video..Bravo sir and keep posting great content..

[@stuartlynn-q8q]

I'm actually holding a old coral encrusted brass caseing from a marines rifle that I picked up on Kwajalein in the early sixties

[@VestigesofHistory]

That's cool!

[@stephenrivera4382]

Outstanding! Thank you!!!

[@VestigesofHistory]

You're very welcome!

[@tomweickmann6414]

Great show. Thanks. I have a Lee Marvin movie loaded up as we speak.......

[@VestigesofHistory]

Which one?