John Wayne's moving final days as Hollywood legends put politics aside to honor Duke

John Wayne, the iconic actor known for his rugged roles, battled health issues during his final years. The star, who was a heavy drinker and smoker, had a lung and some ribs removed in 1964 following a cancer diagnosis.

In his later years, he struggled with physically demanding roles, often relying on an oxygen mask and even being hospitalized during the filming of his last movie, The Shootist.

By early 1979, he was battling stomach cancer and wore a wetsuit under his tuxedo at the Oscars in his last public appearance.

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Just weeks before his death on June 11, 1979, Hollywood legends, including those who disagreed with his conservative political views, came together in a remarkable display of kindness.

On Wayne's 72nd birthday on May 26, 1979, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Hollywood stars from both sides of the political aisle supported the award, praising Duke as an American icon and patriot.

This was particularly poignant considering Wayne's disagreements with some actors over the years on set. However, seasoned actors like Kirk Douglas knew better than to discuss politics with Wayne.

Among those who voiced their support for the award were Kirk Douglas, Frank Sinatra, Maureen O'Hara, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Arness. Here are some of the heartfelt tributes they paid to Wayne.

Douglas penned: "I strongly believe that John Wayne should receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. He is an authentic chunk of Americana. His personal and artistic life represent the best qualities of America admired by people around the world. He has always been a strong force for the American way of life.

"He has personified that force privately and artistically for many, many years. The world would applaud -the action of bestowing this medal on a great American."

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Sinatra declared: "For over half a century, Mr Wayne has served honorably as America's symbol to the world of the highest morals and prudent standard of our society. No man's lifetime of work has better expressed the land of the free and the home of the brave. No man's lifetime of work has given more proof to the world that our flag is still there. John Wayne is in truth a star-spangled man whom so proudly we hail."

Additionally, two former U.S. presidents have voiced their support.

Ex-President Gerald Ford stated: "John Wayne's contribution to this Nation has reached far beyond the entertainment industry, where he is deeply respected and admired. His untiring efforts to improve conditions within our country and relations with other countries have made him a legend in his own lifetime. Striking a gold medal in his honor is a well-deserved and appropriate tribute. I urge the House to concur with the Senate and pass the special bill to authorize this medal."

Future President Ronald Reagan expressed his esteem for John Wayne, remarking: "I can simply say that there is no one in America I can think of more deserving of the special honor you are now considering than John Wayne. There is no one who exemplifies the devotion to our country, its goodness, its industry and its strengths better than John Wayne.

"Duke Wayne's service to our country, not only in his chosen profession, but as a public servant in the truest sense of the term, certainly qualifies him for this honor. It will be a tribute not only to John Wayne, the man, but also to those high standards and ideals to which he is dedicated."

The legendary actor John Wayne was posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on June 9, 1980, by then-President Jimmy Carter.