Ron Kovic, a veteran of the Vietnam War and anti-war activist, has dedicated his life to fighting for peace and veterans’ rights. After being left paralyzed from severe injuries sustained in the war, Kovic was deeply moved by the suffering and neglect he witnessed in affected areas. This led him to become a vocal activist, even enduring 11 jail sentences for his protests against war. Kovic’s powerful autobiography, ‘Born on Fourth July’, was adapted into a film by renowned director Oliver Stone, earning him a Golden Globe for his scriptwriting. He has continued to oppose wars, including the Iraq and Afghan conflicts, and remains a prominent figure in the fight for peace. Kovic’s inspiring journey has made him an idol to many war fighters and survivors, and he has been invited to speak at the Democratic National Convention.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Ronald Lawrence Kovic
- Age: 77 Years, 77 Year Old Males
- Family: father: Eli Kovic, mother: Patricia Kovic
- Occupation: Writers, Soldiers
- Height: 1.83 m
- U.S. State: Wisconsin
- Ancestry: Croatian American
- Education: Hofstra University
- Awards:
- 1990 · Born on the Fourth of July – Academy Award for Best Writing Adapted Screenplay
- 1991 · Born on the Fourth of July – BAFTA Award for Best Adapted Screenplay
- 1990 · Born on the Fourth of July – Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay
Childhood & Early Life
Ron Kovic was born on July 4, 1946 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. He was raised in Massapequa, Long Island, New York. His father, Eli Kovic, worked as a clerk in a supermarket, while his mother, Patricia Kovic, was a homemaker. Ron is the eldest of five siblings. Both of his parents served in World War II. Ron graduated from a summer school and earned a general diploma. He then enrolled at Hofstra University.
During high school, Ron was not a good student academically, but he excelled in wrestling and athletics. In college, he played baseball and considered pursuing it professionally. However, his life took a turn when he was inspired by a military recruiter’s speech to join the Marines. Ron’s decision was further influenced by his family’s military background.
Joining the Marines and Vietnam War
In 1964, Ron Kovic joined the US Marine Corps with the primary purpose of serving his country. Shortly after joining, he was sent to Vietnam to fight in the war. He became a member of the reconnaissance platoon, which was a group of elite Marines. During the war, his platoon was ordered to attack and kill civilians in a village, but Ron later discovered that the villagers were unarmed.
On the battlefield, Ron accidentally shot a young corporal, but his superiors refused to listen to his confession and referred to it as collateral damage. While fighting near the LOC of the Republic of Vietnam, Ron was hit by an enemy bullet in his left heel and another bullet went through his spinal cord, leaving his lower body paralyzed. Despite his exemplary service and courage, Ron struggled with guilt and shame instead of feeling proud of his Purple Heart award.
Activism and Antiwar Efforts
Upon returning to New York, Ron Kovic faced a lack of support and hostility from people who were angry about the consequences of the Vietnam War. This experience led him to believe that all war veterans should be treated with respect and honor for risking their lives to maintain peace in the country. He became an activist, spreading awareness about the Vietnam War at local high schools and getting involved with Vietnam Veterans of America.
Ron’s antiwar activism was further fueled by the 1970 shootings at Kent State University. He participated in rallies and demonstrations, but it was his speech at the 1972 Republic National Convention that caught people’s attention. He condemned wars and expressed his anger at the loss of young lives.
The Autobiography and Film Adaptation
Inspired by the novel “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque, Ron Kovic decided to write his own autobiography, chronicling his journey and the struggles he faced after the Vietnam War. He completed the book, titled “Born on the Fourth of July,” in just over a month. The book was published in 1976 and became a heart-touching account of his ten-year journey as a bedridden war survivor.
The title of the book reflects Ron’s pride in being born on America’s Independence Day. In the book, he describes the horrors of the battlefield and the devastating effects of war. He confesses to having sleepless nights haunted by the people he killed in the name of war. Ron also writes about the exploitation he and his fellow platoon members faced as Marine staff sergeants and the tragic attack on a mistaken location that resulted in the deaths of Vietnamese women and children.
In 1989, Ron’s autobiography was adapted into a film by Oliver Stone, with Tom Cruise portraying Ron Kovic. The film received critical acclaim and won several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay, which Ron Kovic shared with Oliver Stone.
Recent Efforts and Personal Life
In 2003, Ron Kovic led a protest against the Iraq War during the administration of George W. Bush. He continues to advocate for better treatment and support for veterans, including demanding an edifice for homeless and injured veterans. Ron currently resides in an apartment in Redondo Beach and is working on a sequel to his autobiography.
Ron Kovic has never married and is enjoying his life with his girlfriend. He also spends time at the Long Beach veterans’ hospital, where he helps volunteers set up a peer program for wounded veterans.