James Arness, a U.S. Marine and actor, served in World War II, earning a bronze star and a purple heart. After the war, he began his acting career, eventually landing the lead role in the long-running television series Gunsmoke, where he played Marshal Matt Dillon for 635 episodes. [... more]

James Arness served in World War II, earning a bronze star and a purple heart, before pursuing an acting career that spanned 50 years, including his iconic role as Marshall Matt Dillon in the TV series Gunsmoke. [... more]