Arlington National Cemetery is the resting place for people from all walks of life, including some accomplished actors.
Lee Marvin was a popular character actor from Broadway to television to the big screen. He was in numerous movies including, The Dirty Dozen and had an Academy Award winning performance in Cat Ballou. He served in the 4th Marine Division in World War II. He was wounded twice in the Battle of Saipan. After over a year of medical treatment in naval hospitals, Marvin was given a medical discharge with the rank of private first class. He previously held the rank of corporal, but had been demoted for troublemaking
Charles Durning’s best-known films included The Sting, Dog Day Afternoon, Tootsie, and O Brother, Where Art Thou. And He was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. On D-Day Durning was with the Army’s First Infantry Division and in the first wave of troops that landed on Omaha Beach. He was the only survivor of his unit that day. After being wounded by a German anti-personnel mine, he spent six months recovering. And then was assigned to the 100th Infantry Division and participated in the Battle of the Bulge.
Maureen O’Hara was an Irish actress known for delivering quick, well-played lines while portraying strong and passionate characters. She starred in such classics as How Green Was My Valley and Miracle on 34th Street. She also starred opposite her good friend John Wayne in a number of films. After a 20-year retirement, O’Hara returned to the screen to star opposite John Candy in the romantic comedy Only the Lonely. She was married to pioneering Air Force brigadier general Charles F. Blair.
