Lee Marvin made a name for himself as a Hollywood "tough guy"—starring in films such as The Professionals, The Dirty Dozen, and The Killers. He was initially typecast in imposing roles, but Marvin's tough character wasn't just a product of the silver screen. He was, fundamentally, a Marine—taking part in over 21 assaults on Japanese-held islands in the Pacific and receiving the Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation for his service to his country. Here to tell Lee's story, as part of our ongoing Hollywood Goes to War series, is Roger McGrath.
