Yesterday was Veteran’s Day. There were many tributes, memorials,, celebrations and events taking place all over this great country yesterday. It was a day to honor those who gave their time to this country in peace and war. It was a day to thank them for all they gave and for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. In addition, the White House once again proclaimed the month of November as “Veteran‘s and Military Families Month” which they have done since 2016 to honor these men, women and families.

On this day after, “Art’s World” wants to play a little “Did You Know” regarding a few (there were many) celebrities who fought in WW II and/or Korea rather than take a PR spot in the military. The few I mention here may surprise you with what they did during their time serving our country, so here we go.

Charles Bronson – He was a tough guy in the movies but also a tough guy in the military. He was in the U.S. Army Air Force 1943-46 and was a tail gunner on B-29’s and flew more than 25 missions. He received the Purple Heart

Clark Gable – The Hollywood heartthrob went into the Army in 1942 at the age of 40. He was in the 8th Air Force flying many combat missions on B-17’s over Germany as both a gunner and radio man. He was awarded the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

James Garner – The future star of Maverick and The Rockford Files served in the Army during the Korean War. He was with the 5th Regimental Combat Team that made many secret raids and lost a lot of men. Garner received two Purple Hearts for his service and injuries.

Henry Fonda – Served in the U.S. Navy 1942 -46 and rose to the rank  of Lieutenant Commander. He was part of Air Combat intelligence aboard the Destroyer USS Satterlee. he was part of the team that would plan air operations against the Japanese. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in 1945 for his exceptional work in planning successful air raids and strikes includi9ng the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Ed McMahon – Long before he became Johnny Carson’s sidekick, McMahon served with the U.S. Marines. McMahon served in both WW II and the Korean War. He was an F-9 Panther pilot, flying 85 combat missions. He earned six air medals and ended his military career as a colonel.

Dan Blocker – We all remember Hoss from Bonanza, but before that Blocker had quite a military period. He served in the Army during the Korean War as a sergeant with the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. He received the Purple Heart but also the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze campaign stars, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal and Korean War Service Medal.

Mel Brooks – The funny man writer, actor and producer was anything but funny during his time in the service. He served in the Army with the 1104 Engineer Combat Battalion, 78th Infantry Division. He had the rank of corporal and his assignment was defusing land mines as the allies advanced into Nazi Germany. He earned a Bronze Star for his efforts.

Eddie Albert – He was a movie and TV star best known for the TV show “Green Acres”. But before he hit it big on television and movies Albert was quite the military hero. He was a Navy Lieutenant and during the invasion of Tarawa in November, 1943, Albert rescued dozens of stranded and wounded Marines from the landing craft he commanded while under heavy enemy machine-gun fire. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for his actions.

There were many celebrities who fought in WWII, Korea and Viet Nam and took part on battles rather than some cushy PR job in the military. Among them were James Stewart, Chuck Norris, Drew Carey, Gene Hackman, Bea Arthur, Don Adams, Don Rckles, James Arness and so many more. It was the same in the sports world with future Hall of Famers like Ted Williams, Warren Spahn, Hank Greenberg, Yogi Berra and more who fought in WW II.

At some point I will do another of these especially centering on James Stewart for one, whose military service is impeccable.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN