Why was Harold Russell's role in The Best Years of Our Lives significant?

In the 1946 film The Best Years of Our Lives, directed by William Wyler, Harold Russell’s role was significant because he was a real-life veteran and amputee who portrayed a sailor struggling to adjust to civilian life after losing his hands in the war.1

His performance was notable for its authenticity, as he was a nonprofessional actor depicting the genuine challenges of reintegration faced by returning servicemen. Russell’s contribution to the film was highly acclaimed; he received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, as well as a special award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his work. By casting a real-life veteran to address the difficulties of post-war adjustment, Wyler helped the film achieve profound resonance with audiences of that era.12