Curiosidades

Wrote military songs, including the famous "Ballad of the Green Berets."

Served with 7th Special Forces Group as medic in Vietnam

Sang "Ballad of the Green Berets" on "The Ed Sullivan Show"

Purple Heart winner

In the decade before his death, he enjoyed a successful second career as an author, particularly of the "Casca" series, the fantasy adventures of a Roman centurion who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus, and who, for mocking Him, was condemned to live through eternity as a mercenary soldier.

He named his son Thor, after the Scandinavian god of thunder and war.

He had a large collection of Nazi war relics: guns, uniforms, banners, etc.