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Celebrities Who Didn't Serve But Did Their Part

Discussion in 'WWII General' started by Biak, Jan 3, 2022.

  1. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

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    Years ago I mentioned to a certain soldier serving in Afghanistan that I wished I could do more than just send a package now and then. His reply was, " You have your part and we have ours", "Your support shows you have Our backs". Amazing.

    I was curious and yep, Betty White did her part. Always liked her;

    "When World War II broke out, she put her career on hold and volunteered for the American Women's Voluntary Services. Her assignment included driving a PX truck with military supplies to Hollywood Hills. She also participated in events for troops before they were deployed overseas. Commenting on her time in service White said, "It was a strange time and out of balance with everything."

    Easy duty sure, but supporting the troops not making movies or chasing stardom.

    I'd like to see other names added who put their careers on hold or went above the usual.
     
    Biak, Jan 3, 2022
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  2. CAC

    CAC Ace of Spades

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    A good thread Biak...
    Plenty come to my mind in Australia ( i might list some later) - The first bloke who came to mind is Normie Rowe - An Australian teeny-bopper star. His career was at its peak when he was called up for Vietnam service and he went without quibble...

    From:
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    TO:
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    CAC, Jan 3, 2022
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  3. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

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    Thanks CAC, Here in the States Elvis and Clark Gable and Jimmy Stewart (among others) put their careers on hold, others found excuses.
     
    Biak, Jan 4, 2022
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  4. the_diego

    the_diego Active Member

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    He didn't fly (can penguins?) but certainly did his bit as an Air Force Captain; filming recruitment movies and taking part in the war chest drive.
    [​IMG]
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    [​IMG]
     
    the_diego, Jan 19, 2022
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  5. mcoffee

    mcoffee Son-of-a-Gun(ner)

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    ClarkGable 1.jpg
    Captain Clark Gable with Lt. Col. Robert Burns after his fifth mission as combat photographer.
     
    mcoffee, Jan 22, 2022
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  6. mcoffee

    mcoffee Son-of-a-Gun(ner)

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    GlennMiller.jpg
    Major Glenn Miller. Killed when the UC-64 Norseman he was in disappeared over the English Channel
     
    mcoffee, Jan 22, 2022
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  7. mcoffee

    mcoffee Son-of-a-Gun(ner)

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    JimmyStewart.jpg

    The afore-mentioned Jimmy Stewart receiving the Air Medal. He later received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Among his duties in the USAAF was Squadron Commander of the 703rd Bomb Squadron, 445th Bomb Group flying B-24s. He remained in the USAF Reserve after the war and rose to Brig. General.
     
    mcoffee, Jan 22, 2022
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  8. mcoffee

    mcoffee Son-of-a-Gun(ner)

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    The Tin Man

    Haley, Jack s.jpg

    Jack Haley brought his USO show to Grottaglie, Italy on 13 August 1944.

    WarnerToub Jack HaleyDad s.jpg

    Haley 2 s.jpg

    Of greater interest to the troops - he brought Girls

    Entertainment 2 s.jpg

    WooHoo
     
    mcoffee, Jan 27, 2022
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