Hollywood in Combat, not Combat in Hollywood

What were some famous actors, or actresses that served in World War 2? Not to forget those who washed out or were excepted due to some sort or other of disability. I have a book that names a couple in a chapter, but not too many.

 

Jimmy Stewart was a USAAF Brigader General who flew B-24's in WW 2.

 

http://www.ww2f.com/free-fire-zone/17114-few-stars-wwii.html

http://www.ww2f.com/wwii-general/18770-celebrities-wwii.html

http://www.ww2f.com/wwii-today/25135-they-also-served-celebrities-uniform-ww2.html

I wonder if there are more that weren't listed...

 

Im not so sure about WW2, but I know Tom Hanks was a Ranger, I may be wrong...

Although seing some of those names is pretty cool.

 

Tom Hanks was never a Ranger. He portrayed one in "Saving Private Ryan".

 

Michelle. Dont forget there were some listed recently in the Roll of Honor & Memories - WWII Obituaries - World War II Forums thread too.

 

Docs thread in the ww2f older posts lists David Niven my particular favourite. You need more books like a hole in the head probably Michelle, but if you have not yet read his The Moons A Balloon, it is one that I just know you would appreciate...

 

I just posted this on another spot, has a good list of actors who served:

Actors in WWII

 

I'm sorry, I searched Hollywood, and there were really no results. Silly me, we Americans aren't the only ones with celebrities. Its amazing what a limited world can do to you. This is a lesson to me to increase my outlook in the world. Ok, I will check out those other threads.

 

Urqh, The Moons A Balloon was one of my favourite books. I have always loved David Niven. Did you read the sequel or his fiction book that was set in WWII and then post-war Hollywood? (Sorry to hijack Soar, but I have to respond!!)

 

I don't know if any one has already posted this link yet!
Here's more famous actors that frought in ww2.

Movie Stars who Served in WWII

 

He didnt look like one in "BIG"

 

Until you posted this, I never knew they existed...But my wallet is about to become lighter.
Many thanks...And the Moons a Balloon...one of only books that in some parts I could really not stop myself laughing aloud....

And to keep on topic...its full of military pics of Niven too....There thats met the rules..

 

Dan Rowan, of "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" fame was a P-40 pilot in the USAAF, assigned to the PTO. He was credited with two confirmed kills by war's end.

 

Tom Hanks is far too young to have served in WW2. He's more "vietnam war" aged.

And, like the rest of the cast, he was totally out of place for a company commander in WW2. (Capt.). Most US WW2 Captains were in their late 20s. Hanks was like..40...

 

I recommend the book, "Jimmy Stewart-Bomber Pilot" to any one interested in Hollywood during the war. Great story not only on Stewart but on some of his compadres.

 

I read earlier this week that he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in the spring of 1941, well before Pearl Harbor and ahead of the rush of enlistees after Dec 7th. Very uncommon amongst the Hollywooders of the day, but of course, Jimmy Stewart was uncommon all the way around (in a good way that is).

 

Anyone mention Clarke Gable...His story is interesting too.

 

Yes, Clark Gable enlisted in the Air Corps as a private, and was later promoted to Captain before being discharged later in the war. He flew about a dozen missions over Germany before being transferred to a training unit I believe. Also from what I've read, Hitler was such a fan of Clark Gable that if shot down and survived, Gable was to be brought to him in Berlin, as a guest of honor.

 

Also, Eddie Albert piloted a vessel (an LCP, I think) in the Pacific and was recognized for his actions at Pelilieu.