I’ve read that about Earp & Wayne from several sources.
Here’s some
https://www.thevintagenews.com/2018/10/26/john-wayne-met-wyatt-earp-3/
I guess they all could reporting from the same bogus source.
And here’s one that says the influence wasn’t direct
https://www.americancowboy.com/lifestyle/the-influence-of-wyatt-earp-on-john-Wayne
Reminds one of the line from the Liberty Valance movie.
“When truth contradicts myth! Print myth!”
I may not have that quite right but close enough.
Oh yes and nowhere am I claiming that John Wayne is the apex of all American manly virtues. He seemed to be a good guy with some views I agree with. Him being an actor is irrelevant to the views.