In August 1942 Marvin left school to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, serving with the 4th Marine Division in the Pacific Theater of World War II.[7] He was wounded in action during the Battle of Saipan, in the assault on Mount Tapochau, during which most of his unit ("I" Company, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division) were killed.[8] His injury was from machine gun fire, which severed his sciatic nerve.[9] Marvin was given a medical discharge with the rank of Private First Class in 1945 at Philadelphia.[10] His awards were the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
He starred in the 1969 film Paint Your Wagon. Listen to the lyrics of his song. "I was born under a wandering star"
He starred in the 1969 film Paint Your Wagon. Listen to the lyrics of his song. "I was born under a wandering star"