You Might Not Ever Guess

Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23, 2004 at 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, here 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.

This is 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."


Lee said, "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?" I told him, "Well, Bob... if you make it home before 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."