On this episode of Our American Stories George O'Brien became one of Hollywood's biggest leading men after starring in John Ford's silent epic The Iron Horse But long before Hollywood made him famous O'Brien had already served in the Navy during World War I and when Pearl Harbor brought America into World War II the -year-old husband and father volunteered to serve again As part of our ongoing Hollywood Goes to War series Roger McGrath author of Gunfighters Highwaymen and Vigilantes Violence on the Frontier shares the astonishing story of how O'Brien went from silent-film star to Navy beachmaster serving [... more]

A retired history teacher, Jay Moore, forms an unexpected friendship with a World War II veteran, Joe Brown, after striking up a conversation in a bookstore. Joe shares his personal stories and meaningful trophies from the war, including a bayonet that he used to fight off a Japanese soldier on Tinian Island. [... more]

Lee Marvin, a Marine veteran of World War II, recounts his experiences in the Pacific Islands, including the Battle of Saipan, where he was severely wounded. He later became a successful actor, starring in films like The Wild One and Cat Ballou, and was awarded the Purple Heart and other citations for his service. Marvin's story is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of American servicemen during World War II. [... more]