World War II

While war is still ever-present in today's society, back in the day of World War II, there were tons of Hollywood celebrities advocating support. There were even a number of them who served in the war, making a name for themselves in Hollywood history. Serving in the military, both then and now, is considered a very humble, honorable act. Many of the names you may recognize; maybe even some of you (or your parents) even served in the war with them! 1. Paul Newman Paul Newman served in the Navy during the war. He qualified as a torpedo bomber in 1944 and flew as a radioman-gunner. In 1945, some of the members of his squadron were killed in a kamikaze attack. 2. Mel Brooks The legendary comedian enlisted in the US Army when he was only 17 years old. Serving as a combat battalion, his primary goal in the army was to diffuse land mines ahead of advances. 3. Jimmy Stewart Creative Commons Movie star Jimmy Stewart joined the US Air Force in 1971. He worked towards production of radio appearances and propaganda films. After WWII ended, he remained in the Air Force, eventually becoming a brigadier general. 4. Henry Fonda Henry Fonda allegedly said that he no longer desired playing 'fake war' in films, and decided it would be best to enlist in the army and fight for his country. By 1945, he had already risen to the rank of lieutenant. He had been serving since 1942. 5. Jackie Coogan The famously known 'Uncle Fester' from the 1960s sitcom The Addams Family actually enlisted in the US Army before the US had even entered the war. He soon transferred into the Army Air Force. 6. Clark Gable After Gable's wife died, leaving him in a state of depression, joining the army seemed to be the only thing that would lift his spirits and cause a positive change in his life. He then wrote a telegram to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, asking permission to enlist. Click through to the next page to see which other celebrities served in the military. 7. Kirk Douglas Douglas joined the US Navy in 1941. He served as a communications officer in anti-submarine warfare. Douglas soon received a proper medical discharge due to previous war injuries. 8. Lee Marvin Marvin left school at 18 years old to enlist in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He served with the 4th Marine Division during WWII. 9. Charlton Heston Academy Award winner Charlton Heston enlisted in the military at the age of 21, serving for two years as a radio operator and an aerial gunner. He never actually witnessed combat since he was stationed at the Alaskan Aleutian Islands. 10. Rock Hudson The actor ironically starred in a miniseries entitled "World War III," in which he played the President of the United States, Thomas McKenna. However, he did experience real-life military experience as an aircraft mechanic in World War II. 11. Josephine Baker Baker had a unique yet useful tactic in her ways of serving during World War II. Besides providing entertainment for the troops, she sheltered refugees and performed the dangerous work of delivering secret messages including military intelligence. Do you recognize any of these familiar faces? Make sure to share this piece of Hollywood history with your friends and family!

11 Celebrities Who Served Our Country In World War II

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