From Wikipedia:
"In 1950, Eastwood began a one-year stint as a lifeguard for the United States Army during the Korean War and was posted to Fort Ord in California. While on leave in 1951 Eastwood was a passenger onboard a Douglas AD bomber that ran out of fuel and crashed into the ocean near Point Reyes. After escapingg from the sinking aircraft he and the pilot swam 3 miles (5km) to safety."
Enough said.
Enough said.