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On this episode of Our American Stories, before he ever stepped onto a film set, Peter Ortiz had already survived more danger than most action heroes face in a lifetime. A decorated Marine, fluent in multiple languages and trained in espionage, he parachuted into Nazi-occupied France in 1944 with one mission: aid the resistance and disrupt the enemy from within. The Gestapo put a price on his head worth half a million francs, but Ortiz kept moving, outwitting his pursuers with a mix of charm, grit, and cold precision. After the war, he returned to Hollywood, appearing in John Ford’s classic Westerns, where few realized the actor on screen had once been one of the most decorated spies in U.S. military history. Roger McGrath shares the story.

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<p>On this episode of Our American Stories, before he ever stepped onto a film set, Peter Ortiz had already survived more danger than most action heroes face in a lifetime. A decorated Marine, fluent in multiple languages and trained in espionage, he parachuted into Nazi-occupied France in 1944 with one mission: aid the resistance and disrupt the enemy from within. The Gestapo put a price on his head worth half a million francs, but Ortiz kept moving, outwitting his pursuers with a mix of charm, grit, and cold precision. After the war, he returned to Hollywood, appearing in John Ford&rsquo;s classic Westerns, where few realized the actor on screen had once been one of the most decorated spies in U.S. military history. Roger McGrath shares the story.</p>
<p>Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a></p>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Peter Ortiz: War Hero, Leading Man, and the Spy the Nazis Couldn't Catch

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/c5e51b99-b470-4149-8020-b3ba005a5104/transcript

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