Did country music singer Eddy Arnold serve in the Army during WWII?

I'm wondering if Eddy Arnold served in the Army during the war, and if so does anyone know what unit he was in?

Thanks!!

 

I just checked the Eddie Arnold page on the Wiki and it has him performing in the years 1943, 1944 and 1945. That suggests that he did not serve during WWII.

On a related matter, there is a thread on the Forum titled Celebrities in WWII. Just FYI in case you are interested. It's an interesting read. There are a few names I was surprised to see mentioned along with many well known veterans.

 

Since so many performers were "exempted" from the draft as performing artists, it may be that he was never called to serve or that he was performing with the USO at the time. The USO wasn't a "government" organization but they truly did benefit the war effort by keeping the troops from becoming too homesick and so forth. That was a valuable service as well.

 

Dang. Eddy was another my folks would play at their parties. I actually dug it out of my wax collection. 2 LP set. The Greatest of Eddy Arnold. Some of my fav's: Make the world go away, What's he doing in my world, release me, and more. Circa 1973 RCA Records. Will try and send pic from Bberry. Anyone know how to send directly from phone to my account here? Eddy Arnold - The Cattle Call - YouTube

 

My father was a HUGE Eddie Arnold fan. Make the World Go Away was his favorite. Dang it, Poppy. Now you've got me all misty eyed.

This one's for you, Dad.

[video=youtube;A3caNwl4EtE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3caNwl4EtE[/video]

 

From the Official Eddy Arnold Website:

"During World War II Arnold appeared at countless Armed Forces bases, touring the United States with the Camel Caravan. After the tour, he embarked on a solo career with the Grand Ole Opry. Known as "The Tennessee Plowboy," he was signed to host the show, then sponsored by Purina on the NBC network. On D-Day, his brother was killed in France"

from Wikipedia:

Camel Caravan was a musical variety radio program, sponsored by Camel cigarettes, that aired on NBC Radio and CBS Radio from 1933 to 1954. Various vocalists, musicians and comedy acts were heard during the 21 years this show was on the air, including such talents as Benny Goodman, Georgia Gibbs, Anita O'Day and Vaughn Monroe.

 

He was a favourite of my Mother. I have the Readers Digest multi lp set downstairs in the family room....brings back memories..

 

Thanks a lot for the comments guys. Do you happen to know what unit his brother served with Highway70?

 

My parents loved Eddy Arnold, they had at least one of his albums that I recall. "Make the World Go Away," was one of their favorites. Dad still sings that one.

What a great memory.

 

What a great idea Tommy. I listened to Eddie while I read through the thread. Dang, we could start every thread with a song and have a new Forum experience. ;-)