The 1m62 soldier and the war tragedy that created “The Twilight Zone”: Shocking truths you never knew? .m

The “Shocking” Truth: The 1m62 Paratrooper and the Obsession That Created “The Twilight Zone”
Rod Serling is not only the father of the classic series “The Twilight Zone” but also a World War II veteran with a tragic past and haunting wounds forever.

The surprising truth: Before taking the small screen by storm, Rod Serling, with a modest height of 1m62, successfully “evaded the law” to become a brave paratrooper of the 11th Airborne Division. Their nickname was “The Angels”. But the war witnessed moments of hell instead of heaven.

The terrifying obsession: The greatest pain in Rod Serling’s life began from a moment of extreme “shock”. During a campaign in Leyte (Philippines), he witnessed with his own eyes his close friend Melvin Levy being hit by a giant supply crate that fell and instantly decapitated him. That horror haunted Serling for the rest of his life. He personally marked his friend’s grave with a Star of David, a tribute to Levy’s Jewish heritage.

The unlikely hero: World War II not only brought pain but also provided Serling with an opportunity to demonstrate extraordinary courage. During an artillery barrage in Manila, he ran into the gunfire to save a wounded Filipino woman, an act that earned him a Bronze Star.

“Fighting the devil”: After the war, Serling carried a knee injury and psychological trauma. He used his pen to “face his inner demons.” It was the tragedies, the pain of loss, and the moments between life and death that created “The Twilight Zone” full of chilling and profound stories about human nature.

Legacy: Serling became one of the greatest writers and screenwriters of American television. He won six Emmy Awards – a record few can surpass. He was a fierce critic of censorship and cultural inadequacy on television. His final words, “For civilization to survive, mankind must remain civilized,” are a powerful reminder that still resonates today.

What do you think? Were the traumas of war the greatest inspiration for one of the greatest television series in history? Leave a comment and share this story!