How the Voice of Bambi Became a Marine Vietnam Veteran

When one hears Bambi’s name, two things immediately come to mind. Firstly, the 1942 animated Disney movie. Secondly, how “Smalls” from The Sandlot believed “that wimpy deer” was the same as “the Great Bambino,” the nickname of legendary New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth.
What many don’t know, however, is how the real-life voice behind America’s beloved fawn, Donnie Dunagan, kept the role a secret while serving as a career mustang officer in the US Marine Corps. And Dunagan was not just any Marine. He was a drill instructor, three-tour Vietnam veteran, and three-time Purple Heart recipient.
Dunagan was drafted into the Marine Corps in 1952. Throughout his 25 years of service, he kept his career as a child actor a secret - primarily to avoid the “Maj. Bambi” nickname.
But that’s only half of the story.
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#disney
#bambi
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[@wingman4564]

After his 3 Purple Hearts, should have just taken "bambi" as his call sign.

[@BushidoDevilDog]

Turns out that deer wasn’t so wimpy after all, eh? 🤔😲😎👍🏻
Semper Fi! 😎

[@WillScarlet16]

You saw him go up against those hunting dogs, didn't you?

[@DaVinci0963]

Donnie Dunagan's performance in "Son of Frankenstein" was amazing. He was 4 years old when he acted in that film. He "stole" every scene he was in, and he played opposite of Boris Karloff and Basil Rathbone. Major Dunagan, Thank -You for your superior service to our country and everything you did on screen.

[@WillScarlet16]

“Is there any incongruity in being a tough old Marine and being Bambi? No. That is not inconsistent. It is part of the same ethos.” - Donnie Dunagan

[@OmegaTakenZ]

Emotion Attachment to bambi's mom made him a war veteran

[@electronstudios1411]

i love bambi, and i love donnie dunagan, he sure had toughness in a way similar to his character counterpart, where bambi grows up strong and tough! truly the best story i have ever heard!

[@13thBear]

Kinda deserves a much longer video story, doncha think?

[@KonekoGakusei]

He is the Great Bambi!!!
"How do you like him now?!?"

[@Borderose]

Bambi II: The Woods Shoot Back.

[@gaius_enceladus]

Amazing story!

[@PKP405]

“I have some holes in my body that God didn't put there. I got shot through my left knee.”
- Donald Dunagan
I’m wincing at the very thought of a knee being shattered by a 7.62 mm round! The pain must have been excruciating! 😬

[@pyeitme508]

Woah 😳

[@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs]

Gunnery Sargeant Bambi

[@sumguyman8656]

Well all be a dirty word.

[@j.hn_fk]

a boy named sue or what