Back in Time Today
We’ve all seen Hollywood glorify the same war stories again and again. But behind the blockbusters and big names lie real-life warriors whose courage rivals any fictional hero. These 15 extraordinary individuals performed feats so daring, so selfless, and so game-changing—they deserve silver-screen treatment. Yet, Hollywood keeps looking the other way.
1. Henry Johnson – “The Black Death” of WWI
In the midst of World War I, Henry Johnson’s heroism stood unrivaled. Known as “The Black Death,” this Harlem Hellfighter’s valiant stand against a German raiding party remains legendary. Armed with only a bolo knife, Johnson single-handedly fought off the attackers to protect his fellow soldier, despite sustaining severe injuries.
His bravery was such that it earned him the posthumous Medal of Honor in 2015. Yet, his story fades into oblivion, an unsung hero waiting for his cinematic moment. One can only wonder why such gallantry doesn’t grace our silver screens.
2. Deborah Sampson – The Woman Who Fought as a Man
Deborah Sampson’s tale of courage and disguise is both extraordinary and inspiring. Disguised as a man named “Robert Shurtliff,” she served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
Her bravery was evident as she was wounded twice and even performed surgery on herself to avoid detection, all while maintaining her secret identity. Despite her incredible story, Hollywood has yet to immortalize her courage on screen. Her life was a testament to resilience, and her story awaits the kind of recognition only a film can provide.
3. Marcelino Serna – The Most Decorated WWI Texas Soldier
Marcelino Serna’s journey from an undocumented immigrant to a highly decorated WWI hero is nothing short of remarkable. Volunteering for the U.S. Army, this Mexican immigrant captured 24 enemy soldiers single-handedly, becoming a national hero.
Yet, his story fades into obscurity, lost amidst tales of more recognized figures. Despite his incredible bravery and achievements, Hollywood remains silent, with no movie to honor his legacy. His story is a powerful narrative of courage and determination that deserves to be told.
4. Doris “Dorie” Miller – Hero of Pearl Harbor
Doris “Dorie” Miller’s heroism during the attack on Pearl Harbor is nothing short of legendary. As an African American cook without formal training, he took control of an anti-aircraft gun and courageously shot down multiple enemy planes.
His actions earned him the Navy Cross, marking him as the first Black American to receive this honor. Despite his heroics, Hollywood has yet to bring his story to the big screen. Miller’s bravery under fire is a compelling narrative deserving of cinematic recognition, yet remains overlooked.
5. Lyudmila Pavlichenko – “Lady Death” the Soviet Sniper
Lyudmila Pavlichenko, famed as “Lady Death,” holds her place among the deadliest snipers of WWII. With 309 confirmed kills, her precision and skill were unmatched by her peers, male or female.
Her fame even brought her to the United States, where she met First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Despite her remarkable story, Hollywood has yet to capture her life on the big screen. Pavlichenko’s sharp-shooting prowess and resilient spirit are stories of valor and courage yearning for cinematic exploration.
6. Peter Tomich – The Titanic-Sized Sacrifice at Pearl Harbor
Peter Tomich’s selfless bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor is a tale of sacrifice. A Yugoslav immigrant and U.S. Navy Chief, he remained in a burning ship’s boiler room to save his fellow men.
His actions led to his posthumous Medal of Honor, yet his heroics remain largely unknown to the masses. Hollywood’s neglect of his story is a disservice to his ultimate sacrifice. Tomich’s legacy is one of ultimate sacrifice and heroism, yearning for recognition beyond military accolades.
7. Jacklyn “Jack” Lucas – The Teenage Grenade Jumper
Jacklyn “Jack” Lucas defied odds with audacity and fearlessness. At just 17, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, he threw himself onto two grenades to protect his comrades, miraculously surviving the explosions.
Awarded the Medal of Honor, he became one of the youngest recipients in American history. Yet, Hollywood has not immortalized his youthful heroism on screen. His story is one of youthful courage and sacrifice, a narrative begging to be shared with the world.
8. Minnie Spotted-Wolf – First Native American Woman in the Marines
Minnie Spotted-Wolf broke barriers as the first Native American woman to enlist in the Marine Corps during WWII. Known for her strength and determination, she previously chopped fence posts and broke horses.
Her story is one of breaking stereotypes and serving proudly, yet Hollywood has never mentioned her name. Her pioneering spirit and service to her country remain untold on the big screen. Spotted-Wolf’s remarkable journey is a powerful tale of breaking barriers and deserves to be highlighted.
9. Tibor Rubin – Holocaust Survivor, American War Hero
Tibor Rubin’s life journey from Holocaust survivor to American war hero is both poignant and inspiring. A Hungarian Jew who emerged from the horrors of concentration camps, he later earned the Medal of Honor in Korea.
Despite his valor, his heroics were overshadowed due to anti-Semitism, and Hollywood has yet to bring his story to life. Rubin’s resilience and heroism stand as a testament to the human spirit, deserving recognition on the big screen.
10. Eugene Bullard – The First Black Fighter Pilot
Eugene Bullard, renowned as the first Black fighter pilot, soared above racial barriers. As an American fighting for France in WWI, he demonstrated extraordinary skill and courage in the skies.
Despite his valor, Bullard’s contributions were largely unrecognized by the U.S. military for many years. His story remains untold in Hollywood, a glaring omission of a pioneering aviator. Bullard’s life is a soaring tale of breaking racial barriers and bravery, awaiting its cinematic moment.
11. Joseph Medicine Crow – War Chief with a Master’s Degree
Joseph Medicine Crow’s life was a blend of tradition and modern warfare. A member of the Crow Nation, he completed all four traditional war deeds during WWII, including stealing horses from Nazis.
Also a scholar, he shared his knowledge through books and speeches worldwide. Despite his extraordinary accomplishments, Hollywood has yet to spotlight his story. Medicine Crow’s life is a unique narrative blending cultural heritage and military valor, ripe for cinematic exploration.
12. Desmond Doss (Properly Honored, But…) Thomas Bennett – The Other Heroic Conscientious Objector
While the film Hacksaw Ridge honored Desmond Doss, Thomas Bennett remains an unsung hero. As a conscientious objector, he served as a medic during the Vietnam War.
His courage was evident as he saved fellow soldiers under fire, ultimately sacrificing his life. Awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously, Bennett’s story is a poignant reminder of bravery without arms. Hollywood has yet to tell his tale of heroism and sacrifice, leaving a void in war narratives.
13. Alvin York (But What About Sergeant Thomas Baker?)
Sergeant Thomas Baker’s last stand during the Battle of Saipan is a story of courage and resolve akin to famous war heroes. Despite being severely wounded, he requested to be left behind, fighting to the very end.
His final act was shooting ten enemies with his last bullets. While Alvin York’s story was told, Baker’s tale remains untapped by Hollywood. His dedication and bravery in the face of inevitable death deserve cinematic tribute.
14. Kayla Williams – Iraq War Interpreter Turned VA Advocate
Kayla Williams’ journey from Iraq War interpreter to veterans’ advocate is both inspiring and impactful. As a soldier and Arabic interpreter, her skills were invaluable during her service.
Later, she became a fierce advocate for veterans’ mental health, penning books and breaking barriers. Yet, Hollywood has overlooked her significant contributions. Williams’ story is a narrative of perseverance and advocacy, waiting to be shared on the big screen.
15. Roy Benavidez – 6 Hours of Hell in Vietnam
Roy Benavidez’s acts of heroism during a brutal Vietnam mission are cinematic gold. Critically wounded, he fought for six hours, rescuing eight men under relentless fire.
Mistaken for dead twice, his determination and valor earned him the Medal of Honor. Yet, his story remains untold in Hollywood. Benavidez’s relentless courage and survival against all odds make for a gripping narrative that deserves to be immortalized on film.