A key feature of Stan Lee’s costuming in his “Avengers: Age of Ultron” cameo is his hat. It reveals that Lee is playing a veteran of World War II, which is notable for two reasons. For one, it can be interpreted that Lee’s character knew Steve “Captain America” Rogers (Chris Evans) during the war, hence why he was invited to the party. More importantly, though, it highlights Lee’s actual military record. He famously enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 as the Second World War was heating up.
From 1942 to 1945, Lee was a member of the United States Army Signal Corps. This branch was responsible for the repair and maintenance of telegraph poles and other equipment used by the military to send urgent messages. He also worked in the Training Film Division, using his talents as a writer and artist to contribute to training films, manuals, military slogans, and more. In 2017, he was inducted into the Signal Corps Regimental Association and received honorary membership into the 2nd Battalion, 3rd United States Infantry Regiment for his service.
Over the years, Stan Lee landed numerous funny, heartfelt, and occasionally surprising cameos in a variety of Marvel projects. Still, between its humor, real-life connection, and stamp of approval from the man himself, Lee’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” cameo is simply a cut above the rest.
