John Wayne with Red Adair, Asger “Boots” Hansen, and Ed “Coots” Matthews on the set of Hellfighters (1968). Boots & Coots, the oil well control company founded in 1978 by Hansen and Matthews, was inspired by the daring real-life exploits of Red Adair, which were highlighted in the film. Also featured is a rare 1979 telegram from Boots congratulating John Wayne on receiving the Congressional Gold Medal, an honor recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to American history and culture. John Wayne’s Congressional Gold Medal is on display at the John Wayne: An American Experience Museum in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, Texas. Visit johnwayneae.com to purchase tickets or gift one to a friend. Hats off to our First Responders! Throughout September, First Responders receive 20% OFF walk-in admission to the museum. Photo by John R. Hamilton @johnhamiltoncollection, correspondence courtesy of the John Wayne Archive. #JohnWayne #Hellfighters #RedAdair #AmericanLegends #HollywoodHistory