Career toughest: John Wayne or Clint Eastwood?

2015-05-11T01:43:39-04:00

John Wayne vs. Clint Eastwood. Their career bodies of work. Just out of those two, who is the best badass tough guy? Most patriotic? On screen and off? Why? See survey.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 2:03 AM

2015-05-11T02:03:19-04:00

The Duke, hands down.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 11 at 2015 2:33 AM

2015-05-11T02:33:07-04:00

John Wayne only because he portrayed Navy men in more than one movie. Clint Eastwood is equally bad ass but I don't think he's ever done a Navy-themed movie.

I may be a bit biased since I was in the Navy! :)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 2:32 AM

2015-05-11T02:32:49-04:00

I have to vote for the Duke since he's an honorary Green Beret.

Response by SPC Angel Guma made May 11 at 2015 2:35 AM

2015-05-11T02:35:00-04:00

Chuck Norris will settle this debate. When you are in Texas look behind you, because that's where a Ranger will be

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 4:16 AM

2015-05-11T04:16:30-04:00

Don Knotts?!?!?!!!? No no no no no! Clint Eastwood all the way!!!!!

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 11 at 2015 4:19 AM

2015-05-11T04:19:40-04:00

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 11 at 2015 6:18 AM

2015-05-11T06:18:43-04:00

I voted Neither because it is a Tie!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 7:34 AM

2015-05-11T07:34:48-04:00

While both are iconic, I think Clint Eastwood edges out the Duke for sheer toughness. If this were a different survey, say patriotism perhaps, it would be John Wayne, hands down.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made May 11 at 2015 7:41 AM

2015-05-11T07:41:04-04:00

In my book, BOTH :)

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 11 at 2015 8:32 AM

2015-05-11T08:32:40-04:00

John Wayne: Big talker. draft deferrals when other Hollywood greats like Henry Fonda served.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2819281/John-Wayne-DID-dodge-draft-continue-torrid-affair-sexy-German-actress-Marlene-Dietrich-best-lay-ve-new-book-reveals.html
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1055/was-john-wayne-a-draft-dodger

Clint Eastwood: Set a decent example. Drafted into the army and served as a swimming instructor during Korea (better than deferrals-right?)
http://www.biography.com/people/clint-eastwood-9283502#early-career

John Wayne DID dodge the draft because of affair with Marlene Dietrich

Legendary tough guy John Wayne played a soldier in scores of films but never served in the military. He has long been accused of being a ‘draft dodger’ and the truth is, he was - and all for love of a woman.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 11 at 2015 4:41 PM

2015-05-11T16:41:26-04:00

Don Knotts. He served in the Army and toured the pacific theater as an entertainer in WWII.

Eastwood was drafted and it's believed he used some undue influence to ensure he spent the Korean War as a life guard at Ord. Wayne used exemptions to avoid military service altogether (Some would say he dodged, but I wouldn't go that far).

So if the standard is Who willingly went to a combat zone, Knotts hands down. If it's who was the best at faking being a bad ass, I vote Eastwood.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made May 11 at 2015 5:34 PM

2015-05-11T17:34:02-04:00

I'd vote for anyone in special ops or the marines. Most everyone else is just "acting" - pun intended.

To answer the question though, I'd say John Wayne although it was a different era.

Response by SSG John Jensen made May 12 at 2015 11:48 AM

2015-05-12T11:48:55-04:00

Ed Wood Jr. the worst movie maker in the history in the medium - USMC in the south pacific - bronze star, silver star, 2 purple hearts, - and he claimed........he claimed.....that he was wearing womens underwear the whole time..........now THATS a hero

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2019 8:18 PM

2019-11-24T20:18:12-05:00

Did either serve? I don't like John Wayne. Fake tough guy. I'll go with Eastwood.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2023 4:58 PM

2023-09-27T16:58:00-04:00

Randolph Scott

In April 1917, the United States entered World War I. In July, Scott joined a unit of the North Carolina National Guard. He was trained as an artillery observer and earned promotion to corporal in October 1917 and sergeant in February 1918.[7] In May 1918, Scott entered active duty at Fort Monroe, Virginia, as a member of the 2nd Trench Mortar Battalion.[8] The battalion arrived in France in June 1918, and took part in combat with the U.S. IV Corps in the Toul sector and Thiaucourt zone. After the Armistice of November 11, 1918, ended the war, the 2nd TM Battalion took part in the post-war occupation of Germany as part of U.S. VI Corps.[7]

Following the armistice, Scott enrolled in the artillery Officer Candidate School, which was located in Saumur.[8] He received his commission as a second lieutenant of Field Artillery in May 1919 and departed for the United States soon afterwards. He arrived in New York City on June 6 and reported to Camp Mills, where he received his honorable discharge on June 13.[7] Scott made use of his wartime experience in his acting career, including his training in horsemanship and the use of firearms.[9]

He tried to enlist for WWII but was turned down for his back injury.

He was the real deal.