A retired Marine kept a special part of his childhood a secret for a quarter of a century because he feared he would lose respect. Major Donnie Dunagan was the voice of Bambi in the famous film released by Disney in 1942.
Keeping the secret was easy for a while, but when the film was re-released in 1977 with credits, Dunagan thought his life would change dramatically, namely that soldiers would write home to their families and brag about the identity of their commanding officer.
Dunagan had made a name for himself in the Marines by being the youngest drill instructor and serving as a counterintellegence specialist during the Cold War. He was also awarded three Purple Hearts.
He is not ashamed of the time he worked for Walt Disney, saying it was one of the greatest experiences of his life. Sage advice from several World War II veterans stuck with him, especially about keeping one’s greatest achievements private. Dunagan was married for two years before his wife accidently stumbled across his secret tucked away in an old box.
Now 84, Dunagan looks back over his life and is proud of everything he has ever done, including being the voice of Bambi.