Bob Lee’s “The Nailer” Swagger was invented by author Stephen Hunter. Twelve novels (as of 2022) chronicle his life before, during and after the Vietnam War, beginning with Point of Impact (1993) and ending with Targeted (2019).
Both the 2007 film Shooter and the 2016 TV series based on Point of Impact have Swagger as the main character. Hunter has stated that Carlos Hathcock, a real-life U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper, served as inspiration for Swagger.
Bob Lee Swagger Character’s Story
Bob Lee Swagger, a former Marine gunnery sergeant, was born in Polk County, Arkansas in 1946 and grew up in Blue Eye (a made-up version of Mena). His parents, Earl and June Swagger, are both Arkansas State Troopers. His father is a retired Marine first sergeant and Medal of Honor winner. In 1955, Bob Lee’s father passed away, but not before teaching his son respect for weapons and helping him develop his innate Swagger talent with them.
Swagger enlists in the Marines and becomes a renowned sniper for the force. Bob the Nailer, so named for his amazing skill with a rifle, served three tours in Vietnam with Special Operations. He has killed 391 soldiers in combat but has only been given credit for 87.
His most noteworthy fight came when a North Vietnamese Army battalion was closing in on a poorly fortified Special Forces base. Swagger and his spotter, Lance Corporal Donny Fenn, killed almost 80 enemy soldiers before Swagger’s ammunition ran out, delaying the battalion for two days until air backup could arrive.
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Is Bob Lee a Real Person or Friction?
There is no such thing as Bob Lee Swagger. He is a made-up guy written by Stephen Hunter.
Twelve novels, beginning with Point of Impact (1993) and ending with Targeted (2009), follow Swagger as he navigates life during and after the Vietnam War (2022). Both the 2007 film Shooter and the 2016 TV series based on Point of Impact have Swagger as the main character. Hunter has stated that Carlos Hathcock, a real-life U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper, served as inspiration for Swagger.
Swagger is an expert marksman who is frequently entrusted with perilous missions. He’s a multifaceted hero with flaws and a complex personality. He has a high tolerance for violence and is extremely loyal to his loved ones. Swagger is an interesting protagonist who has captivated audiences and readers alike.
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