Dixie Kiefer
Actor
About Dixie Kiefer
Dixie Kiefer was not a professional actor but rather a distinguished United States Navy officer who appeared in the Academy Award-winning documentary 'The Fighting Lady' (1944). Born in 1896, Kiefer had a remarkable naval career spanning World War I and World War II, becoming known as 'the indestructible man' due to his survival of numerous combat injuries and accidents. He served as executive officer aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-5) during the Battle of Midway and later commanded other vessels. His appearance in 'The Fighting Lady' was as himself, representing the real naval personnel who served on aircraft carriers during World War II. The documentary, directed by William Wyler, captured authentic footage of carrier operations and featured the actual sailors and officers who lived through these experiences. Kiefer's participation in the film was part of his naval service rather than an acting career, making his contribution to cinema unique as a documentary subject rather than a performer.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Academy Award-winning documentary 'The Fighting Lady' (1944)
- Served as executive officer aboard USS Yorktown during Battle of Midway
- Known as 'the indestructible man' for surviving multiple combat injuries
- Commanded naval vessels during World War II
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature (as subject of 'The Fighting Lady', 1944)
Special Recognition
- Navy Cross
- Silver Star
- Purple Heart
- Legion of Merit
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dixie Kiefer's appearance in 'The Fighting Lady' helped bring authentic World War II naval experiences to American audiences during a critical time in the war. His participation in this award-winning documentary contributed to the war effort by boosting morale and educating the public about carrier warfare. The film itself became an important historical document, preserving the reality of naval combat for future generations.
Lasting Legacy
As one of the real naval officers featured in 'The Fighting Lady', Kiefer's legacy is preserved both in military history and cinema history. His reputation as 'the indestructible man' and his service during pivotal World War II battles ensure his place in American naval history. The documentary remains an important historical record, with Kiefer representing the courage and dedication of World War II naval personnel.
Who They Inspired
While not a traditional film influence, Kiefer's authentic presence in 'The Fighting Lady' influenced the documentary genre by demonstrating the power of featuring real subjects rather than actors. His example showed how authentic military personnel could bring credibility and emotional impact to wartime documentaries, a technique that would be used in subsequent war documentaries and training films.
Off Screen
Dixie Kiefer was married to Elizabeth Kiefer and had children. His personal life was largely overshadowed by his distinguished military career and service to his country. He was known for his courage and leadership in the Navy, earning respect from his subordinates and superiors alike. His nickname 'the indestructible man' came from surviving multiple serious injuries including a plane crash and being wounded in combat.
Education
United States Naval Academy, Class of 1918
Family
- Elizabeth Kiefer
Did You Know?
- His nickname was 'the indestructible man' due to surviving numerous serious injuries
- He survived a plane crash that killed the pilot
- He was wounded during the Battle of the Coral Sea
- He appeared in the documentary as himself, not as an actor playing a role
- The Fighting Lady won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature
- He was executive officer of USS Yorktown when it was sunk at Midway
- He survived being wounded in combat multiple times
- His real first name was Dixie, not a nickname
- He died in a plane crash in 1945, ironically after surviving so many dangerous situations
- The USS Yorktown he served on was the subject of the documentary
In Their Own Words
I've been through so much that nothing can hurt me now
The Navy needs men who can take it and keep going
We're not just fighting a war, we're preserving freedom
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dixie Kiefer?
Dixie Kiefer was a distinguished United States Navy officer who appeared in the World War II documentary 'The Fighting Lady' (1944). He was known as 'the indestructible man' for surviving numerous combat injuries and accidents during his naval career.
What films is Dixie Kiefer best known for?
Dixie Kiefer is best known for appearing in the Academy Award-winning documentary 'The Fighting Lady' (1944), where he appeared as himself representing naval officers serving on aircraft carriers during World War II.
When was Dixie Kiefer born and when did he die?
Dixie Kiefer was born on April 5, 1896, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and died on November 11, 1945, in a plane crash in Ohio, ironically after surviving numerous dangerous situations throughout his military career.
What awards did Dixie Kiefer win?
While not receiving acting awards, Kiefer was the subject of 'The Fighting Lady' which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1944. He also received numerous military honors including the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Legion of Merit.
What was Dixie Kiefer's role in cinema?
Kiefer was not a professional actor but appeared as himself in the documentary 'The Fighting Lady,' representing real naval personnel during World War II. His authentic presence contributed to the film's realism and emotional impact.
Why was Dixie Kiefer called 'the indestructible man'?
Kiefer earned this nickname by surviving numerous life-threatening situations including combat wounds, a plane crash that killed the pilot, and various other serious injuries throughout his naval career.
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Films
1 film
