Actor Sterling Hayden Helped the Resistance but was Later Tied to Communism
Sterling Hayden appeared in films such as The Godfather, Dr. Strangelove, and The Asphalt Jungle. Before his big-screen success, he worked as a marine for the OSS during World War II. Hayden provided guns and other supplies to a resistance movement in Yugoslavia. He also parachuted into Croatia to spy on Fascist activities. His spy work in the Balkans and the Mediterranean earned him a Silver Star, America’s third-highest combat medal. Hayden was also awarded a Bronze Arrowhead for parachuting behind enemy lines. After the war, he joined the Communist Party for a short time, which he later regretted. He confessed his communist ties to the House Un-American Activities Committee during the Red Scare.