Movie fans may remember Lee Marvin for his most memorable role as Major John Reisman in 1967's hit film The Dirty Dozen. According to the movie site IMDB, Marvin acted in more than 230 movies. But to the acting legend, the role he most wanted to be remembered for was his real-life service during World War II fighting in the Pacific Theater with the U.S. Marine Corps. He could have chosen any one of the final resting places near Hollywood or Los Angeles with other acting greats. But Lee Marvin wanted to be remembered as a U.S. Marine. Marvin is buried at Arlington National Cemetary. His headstone reads:

           LEE
       MARVIN
           PFC
US MARINE CORPS
   WORLD WAR II
     FEB 19 1924
     AUG 29 1987

His story:
Lee Marvin's decision to leave school at the age of 18 to join the United States Marine Corps Reserve demonstrated a strong sense of patriotism and duty. He wanted to contribute to the war effort and defend his country, despite the risks involved. Marvin was immediately deployed to the Pacific Theater, where he served with the 4th Marine Division. He fought in the Roi-Namur, Eniwetok and Saipan campaigns.

During the Battle of Saipan, Marvin was a member of "I" Company, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines, 4thMarine Division. He displayed tremendous courage and bravery in the face of danger, leading his company through grueling assaults and fierce enemy fire. However, Marvin's luck eventually ran out on June 18, 1944, when he was seriously wounded in action during the attack on Mount Tapochau. He was hit by a hail of machine gun fire, which severed his sciatic nerve and left him unable to walk properly. Additionally, he was struck in the foot by a sniper's bullet, adding to his injuries.

After sustaining such serious injuries, Marvin spent over a year undergoing medical treatment and rehabilitation. Despite his injuries, he was determined to continue serving in the military and assist in any way he could. Unfortunately, due to his injuries, he was eventually medically discharged from the Marines, receiving the rank of private first class. Interestingly, however, Marvin had been previously demoted from his corporal rank for causing trouble.

Marvin's service in World War II earned him the Purple Heart Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. - Scott Lyons, Ed.