Here is a little story about 3 war heros I bet some didn't know

[madokie]

This was a feel good story conveyed to me I thought I would share, we're always in need of more hero's.


Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23, 2004 as age 76 , which is odd, because he always looked to be 76. (DOB: 6/27/27) His death reminded me of the following story.

Some people have been a bit offended that 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:

I always liked Lee Marvin, but didn't know the extent of his Corps experiences.


In a time when many Hollywood stars served their country in the armed forces often 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.


If that is a surprising comment on the true character of the man, he credits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery.

Dialog from "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson": His guest was Lee Marvin. Johnny said, "Lee, I'll bet a lot of people are unaware that you were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima...and that during the course of that action you earned the Navy Cross and were severely wounded."


"Yeah, yeah... I got shot square in the bottom and they gave me the Cross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi. Bad thing about getting shot up on a mountain is guys getting' shot hauling you down. But,Johnny, at Iwo I served under the bravest man I ever knew... We both got the cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross made mine look cheap in comparison That dumb guy actually stood up on Red beach and directed his troops to move forward and get the hell off the beach. Bullets flying by, with mortar rounds landing everywhere and he stood there as the main target of gunfire so that he could get his men to safety. He did this on more than one occasion because his men's safety was more important than his own life.

That Sergeant and I have been lifelong friends. When they brought me off Suribachi we passed the Sergeant and he lit a smoke and passed it to me, lying on my belly on the litter and said, where'd they get you Lee?' Well Bob... if you make it home be fore me, tell Mom to sell the outhouse!"

Johnny, I'm not lying, Sergeant Keeshan was the bravest man I ever knew.

The Sergeant's name is Bob Keeshan. You and the world know him as Captain Kangaroo."


On another note, there was this wimpy little man (who just passed away) on PBS, gentle and quiet. Mr. Rogers is another of those you would least suspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth. But Mr. Rogers was a U.S. Navy Seal, combat-proven in Vietnam with over twenty-five confirmed kills to his name. He wore a long-sleeved sweater on TV, to cover the many tattoos on his forearm and biceps. He was a master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat.


After the war Mr. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister and therefore a pacifist. Vowing to never harm another human and also dedicating the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path in life. He hid away the tattoos and his past life and won our hearts with his quiet wit and charm.

America's real heroes don't flaunt what they did; they quietly go about their day-to-day lives, doing what they do best. They earned our respect and the freedoms that we all enjoy.

Look around and see if you can find one of those heroes in your midst.

Often, they are the ones you'd least suspect, but would most like to have on your side if anything ever happened.

Take the time to thank anyone that has fought for our freedom. With encouragement they could be the next Captain Kangaroo or Mr.Rogers

[MercutioATC]

1. Snopes is your friend...

Nice story, just not true.

http://www.snopes.com/military/marvin.asp

[madokie]

4. I looked but didn't put enough effort into it I guess. but is snopes.com

always true or is it kinda like wikepedia:shrug:
spelling:

[Inland]

2. Excellent piece. Thanks. nt

[benddem]

9. not true n/t

[Inland]

11. Oh. I guess that makes a difference. nt

[Pugee]

3. Most don't know it because most of the story is made up.

Although Lee Martin did serve in the military, is buried at Arlington, but did not get the Navy Cross nor serve with Keeshan.


http://www.snopes.com/military/marvin.asp

[maveric]

13. Lee Marvin was in my Uncle Louie's company at Iwo.

They were friends for a while after the war. Louie never talked about his war experiences so I cant prop this account.
When Louie died three years ago, my cousins were cleaning his house and they found his war chest, so to speak. In it were two bronze stars and a silver star. His kids never knew about these medals till after he died.
Real heroes dont talk or brag about it.

[Brotherjohn]

5. The point is well taken, but yes, alas, it's been snopes'd.

I was about to post the exact same Snopes link as above.

But real heroes DON'T brag. That part is true.

[BOSSHOG]

6. CNO

Admiral Mike Boorda who took his life ten years ago next month is buried in a nondescript grave at Arlington far away from the big memorials. Per his request his grave is next to a Navy Corpsman (E-5). Interestingly ADM Boorda's grave overlooks the Pentagon. He was a Sailor's Admiral. I was TAD to Washington a few years back and spent half a day finding his grave.

[Betsy Ross]

7. Shocked, just shocked that Captain Kangaroo smoked. n/t

[TlalocW]

8. I remember Captain Kangaroo

Particularly the episode where he showed Mister Greenjeans how to kill a man with your bare hands.

TlalocW

[quisp]

12. heheh

yep, I loved that episode too! And I still use that lesson to this day!

That Mr. Greenjeans was one HARD mofo!

[demosincebirth]

10. That has been around for a while and has been

circulated thru emails. They were some tough ol fucks back then.

Lee Marvin is still a hero to me.

I wonder how Bush would have gotten out of WWII?