Summary Sterling Hayden was a true Renaissance man - master sailor, war hero, actor, and author who struggled with self-hatred, alcoholism and substance abuse. Joining me is the author of Sterling Hayden's Wars - Lee Mandel a retired USN Physician. Hayden's wartime career is incredible. After a couple of minor film roles, he left Hollywood to fight. His first attempt to serve ended up badly after he broke his ankle jumping from a Stirling bomber in the UK on assignment with the British. Later, he joined the USMC where he served under the name John Hamilton. While at Parris Island, he was recommended for Officer Candidate School. After graduation, he was commissioned and was transferred to service as an undercover agent with William J. "Wild Bill" Donovan's Office of the Coordinator of Information. He remained there after it became the Office of Strategic Services. As OSS agent John Hamilton, his exploits included sailing with supplies from Italy to Yugoslav partisans and parachuting into fascist Croatia. Hayden, who also participated in the Naples-Foggia campaign and established air crew rescue teams in enemy-occupied territory received the Silver Star for gallantry and a commendation from Yugoslavia's Josip Tito. After the War he acted in some classic films including: The Killers, The Asphalt Jungle, Johnny Guitar, The Last Command and was (famously) the corrupt Police Chief killed by Michael Corleone in The Godfather. He also appeared in the War Films: Fighter Attack, Battle Taxi, The Eternal Sea and the cold-war satire Dr Strangelove.

• War
• Documentary
• History
• Talk Show