Richard Todd, born into an aristocratic Irish family, became a soldier and then a very successful actor in both British and American cinema. His role of a Wing Commander in the British Air Force in the film ‘Dam Busters’ made him very famous. His mother wanted him to join the Diplomatic Service but he decided to become a playwright. Later on he changed his decision to become an actor instead. The lead roles played by him in many war movies were appreciated all over the world as he used his first-hand experience of the war to bring out the maximum effect in each role. In real life he was a part of the parachute regiment of the 7th battalion that was parachuted into Normandy on the D-Day of the Second World War. He made the first contact with the troops flown into Normandy in gliders led by Major Howard assigned to defend the Pegasus Bridge. After the war ended, he went back to his first love, the theatre, and performed in many roles. His luck changed for the better when he got a chance to act in films where he was more successful in portraying characters from the armed forces.