HOLLYWOOD
& THE STARS WHO SERVED IN WORLD WAR II |
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NOTE: After the death of his wife, Clark Gable enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a 41-year-old lowly private (though a private that had his uniforms tailored by the MGM costume department). During his tour of duty, Gable filmed German military installations for U.S. Army Intelligence, which led field marshal Hermann Goering to put a price on his head. It was never collected. |
Brigadier
General Jimmy Stewart was the first Hollywood celeb to enter the service for World War II. Though initially refused entry into the air force because he was underweight, Stewart talked the recruitment officer into admitting him. He would fly 20 combat missions as a B-24 Pilot in Europe and command a squadron, eventually earning the rank of colonel, as well as the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Croix de Guerre and seven battle stars. After the war, Stewart continued in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and became a brigadier general, the highest-ranking entertainer in the American military. Note: Joined USAAC in 1940, was initially refused entry because he was 5 pounds under the required 148 pounds, but he talked the recruitment officer into ignoring the test. Eventually became a Colonel, 8th AF Sqn Cmdr 703 BS 445 BG, and Ops Officer 453 BG (&rt;456 BG), awarded the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Croix de Guerre, and 7 battle stars. Flew B-52 and B-58 in Vietnam. In 1959, while in the USAFR, he was promoted to BrigGenl, the highest ranking actor in military history (but would not allow his war record to be used in movies or as publicity). |
Lee
Marvin was a Marine on Saipan when he was
wounded. Go to Amazon.com to
learn more about your favorite movie stars, movies and music from the
1940's era |
Charles http://Bronson
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