Iraq War Veteran to Become Action Figure

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Iraq War Veteran to Become Action Figure

James Joyner | Monday, December 26, 2005

SFC Jerry Wolford, a Silver Star recipient, is going to be the model for a new action figure.

[Army Sgt. 1st Class Jerry] Wolford, who used to own about 200 action figures, will now become one. He will model for a new line of figures based on the sequel to “America’s Army,” an online video game released by the Army in 2002 as a recruiting tool. The “America’s Army: Real Heroes” sequel allows players to fight as actual decorated soldiers, such as Wolford. The game will feature nine soldiers, including a woman, said Lori Mezoff, a spokeswoman for the game venture. The soldiers also will be used to create a line of action figures based on the game.

Wolford, as a member of the Fort Bragg-based 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, received a Silver Star for a firefight in the southern Iraqi town of Samawah. According to the award citation, Wolford put himself in harm’s way to help the wounded, redistributing weapons and equipment and coordinating fire for the machine guns.

This is a terrific marketing campaign on part of the military. Guys like Wolford and the late SFC Paul Smith are in the same heroic tradition as predecessors like Sgt. Alvin York and 2LT Audie Murphy, even if they are fighting in a less popular war.

A doctor serving in Iraq sees heroes nearly every day

Previously at OTB:

Where Are the War Heroes?

Army Using Video Game as Recruiting Tool

Marvel Comic for Troops

SFC Paul Smith Receives Medal of Honor

SFC Paul R. Smith Awarded Medal of Honor

Heroes Donât Shout

About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and infant daughter.

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