OLD TOWN, Fla., Sept. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. Navy hero Guy Gabaldon, decorated for fighting the Japanese on Saipan during World War II, has died at his home in Old Town, Fla., at the age of 80.
Documentary filmmaker Steve Rubin told The Los Angeles Times Gabaldon died last Thursday apparently of a heart attack.
Gabaldon received the Navy Cross for capturing more than 1,000 Japanese civilians and soldiers on Saipan and his experience was the basis for the 1960 movie "Hell to Eternity," and Rubin's documentary, "East L.A. Marine: The Untold True Story of Guy Gabaldon," the Times reported.
Gabaldon was not awarded the Medal of Honor, which his supporters blame on racism against Latinos. The effort to get him that honor will continue.
Survivors include his second wife and several children, the Times reported.
