Ron Kovic is an American anti-war activist, author, and former United States Marine. Born on July 4, 1946, he served in the Vietnam War, where he was severely injured, resulting in paralysis from the waist down. His experiences in the war and subsequent activism have made him a prominent figure in discussions about veterans' rights and the impact of war. Kovic is best known for his memoir, Born on the Fourth of July, which details his journey from a patriotic soldier to a vocal critic of the Vietnam War. The book was later adapted into a film directed by Oliver Stone, further amplifying his message and experiences.