May 26th marks the centennial birthday of one of the most prominent actors of the 20th century. He inspired a generation as an action hero – Marion Morrison aka John Wayne.

John Wayne was the largest action hero in Hollywood for most of the 20th century and an inspiration for the "Greatest Generation." He was an American icon whose movies were about good overcoming evil, while always getting the girl. A bit of a clique, John Wayne's movies help American lose themselves when the United States was in a pitch battle with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. John Wayne reminded Americans why this country is great and what it is to be a patriot.

My love for the Duke started as a young boy sitting and watching movie after movie each Saturday. I can only thank one man for opening the world of the Duke to me, my ailing father. Now in my mid-thirties, I still enjoy taking a few hours out of a day to watch any of my favorite Duke movies.

To mark the occasion, I have come up with my favorite 15 Duke movies.