Veterans Day Honors Voice of Bambi, Three-Time Purple Heart Marine
Donnie Dunagan, Disney’s Bambi voice, served three tours in Vietnam and earned three Purple Hearts. Honored on Veterans Day.
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Donnie Dunagan, the voice behind Disney’s iconic Bambi, lived a life that bridged Hollywood and military service. Dunagan passed away on November 4 at the age of 92, according to Texas Public Radio (TPR). His legacy, however, lives on through his contributions to both entertainment and the U.S. Marine Corps.
A Voice for Bambi, A Hero for the Marines
Dunagan earned his place in Disney history when he voiced the young ‘prince of the forest’ Bambi in Walt Disney’s 1942 film. But his Hollywood career was just the beginning of a remarkable life. Dunagan joined the U.S. Marines in 1952 and served for 21 years, earning multiple honors for his bravery, including three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
Donnie Dunagan, the iconic voice of Bambi, has sadly passed away at the age of 92. https://t.co/lp6pnIIXio
“I have some holes in my body that God didn’t put there,” Dunagan said, according to TPR. “I got shot through my left knee. Got an award or two for saving lives over time, but I think I could have been appointed as the aide-de-camp in the White House. It wouldn’t make any difference. It’s Bambi that’s so dear to people, but I love it now when people realize this old jerk is still alive and was Bambi, and I wouldn’t take anything for it, not a darn thing for it.”
From Hollywood to the Frontlines
Dunagan’s journey from child star to decorated Marine was anything but ordinary. As a child, he struggled with poverty in Tennessee before winning $100 in a talent competition, which allowed his family to move to Hollywood. There, he became a child star, eventually voicing Bambi and appearing in films like Son of Frankenstein with Boris Karloff and Basil Rathbone.
Despite his early fame, Dunagan’s path was far from glamorous. Before joining the Marines, he worked as a lathe operator in a boardinghouse and earned money through odd jobs. His drafting into the Corps in 1952 marked the start of a career that would see him rise through the ranks, being promoted 13 times in 21 years and becoming the youngest drill instructor to ever don the campaign hat.
Three Tours in Vietnam, Three Purple Hearts
Dunagan served no fewer than three tours in the Vietnam War, where his bravery and leadership earned him three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. His service was a testament to his dedication and courage, though he kept his Hollywood past a secret from his fellow Marines, fearing the nickname ‘Major Bambi.’
“I am a commander in Marine Corps boot camp,” he said in 2015. “Hundreds of recruits I’m responsible for … I just thought to myself, I don’t think I want all these young Marines to start calling me ‘Major Bambi,’ and I kept my mouth shut.”
A Legacy of Service and Nostalgia
As he neared retirement, Dunagan’s secret was finally uncovered by a fellow Marine, who recognized him as the voice of Bambi. In his later years, he embraced the dual legacy of his Hollywood and military careers, recognizing that while many Americans might not know about his combat honors, they still cherish the memories of Bambi.
“I love it now when people realize this old jerk is still alive and was Bambi,” he said. “And I wouldn’t take anything for it, not a darn thing for it.”
Donnie Dunagan’s life was a unique blend of Hollywood magic and military valor, making him a true American hero. His story, honored on Veterans Day, reminds us of the sacrifices and service of those who have given their lives for our country.
Source: PJ Media
