World War II shaped the lives of millions, including many who would become household names. As we approach the 80th anniversary of the war’s end, only a handful of these celebrity veterans remain. Their stories of service and survival offer a unique glimpse into one of history’s most pivotal conflicts. Let’s explore some lesser-known famous faces who fought in World War II and are still with us today.
The Silver Screen Warriors
Mel Brooks: From Combat Engineer to Comedy Legend
Born Melvin Kaminsky in 1926, Mel Brooks is best known for his comedic genius in films like The Producers and Blazing Saddles. But before he made audiences laugh, he distinguished himself in serving his country.
In 1944, at just 17 years old, Brooks was drafted into the U.S. Army. He received training as a combat engineer and specialized in defusing land mines. Brooks served in the 1104th Engineer Combat Battalion, taking part in the Battle of the Bulge and helping to build bridges across the Rhine River.
After Germany’s surrender, Brooks put his wit to use entertaining troops as part of the Army’s Special Services. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Corporal. Today, at 97 years old, Brooks remains active in the entertainment industry, his wartime experiences having shaped his unique brand of humor.
Dick Van Dyke: From Radio Operator to Beloved TV Star
Before he danced across our screens in “Mary Poppins” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show”, Dick Van Dyke served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
Enlisting in 1944 at age 18, Van Dyke was initially rejected for being underweight. Undeterred, he ate bananas and drank water until he met the weight requirement. He served as a radio announcer and later performed with the Special Services, entertaining troops in the continental United States.
Van Dyke was discharged in 1946, receiving the Good Conduct Medal for his service. Now 97 years old, he continues to make occasional TV appearances, his wartime experiences having instilled in him a lifelong commitment to bringing joy to others.
Behind the Camera: Directors Who Served
Norman Lear: From Air Gunner to Groundbreaking Producer
Norman Lear, the creative force behind iconic TV shows like “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons”, served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
Enlisting in 1942 at age 20, Lear became a radio operator and gunner on B-17 Flying Fortresses. He flew 52 combat missions over Germany and Italy, earning the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters.
Lear’s experiences during the war deeply influenced his later work. His television productions often addressed social issues and challenged societal norms. At an incredible 101 years old, Lear remains active in the entertainment industry, his wartime service having shaped his perspective on life and society.
Roger Corman: From Navy Trainee to “King of B-Movies”
Before he became known as the “King of B-Movies”, Roger Corman served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Enlisting in 1944 at age 18, Corman joined the V-12 Navy College Training Program. He served as a sailor between 1944 and 1946, though he didn’t see combat.
Corman’s time in the Navy exposed him to various personalities and experiences, which he would later draw upon in his prolific filmmaking career. Now 97 years old, Corman continues to produce films. His wartime service instilled in him a strong work ethic and resourcefulness that became hallmarks of his career.
Voices of War: Entertainers Who Served
Tony Bennett: From Infantry to Iconic Crooner
Before he left his heart in San Francisco, Tony Bennett served in the U.S. Army during the final stages of World War II.
Drafted in November 1944 at age 18, Bennett served as an infantryman in the 63rd Infantry Division. He saw combat in France and Germany, participating in the liberation of a Nazi concentration camp.
After the war, Bennett stayed in Germany as part of the occupying forces, singing with military bands. These experiences laid the foundation for his future career as one of America’s most beloved singers. At 96 years old, Bennett recently retired from performing, his wartime service profoundly influencing his life and music.
Harry Belafonte: From Navy Sailor to Calypso King
Before he became the “King of Calypso”, Harry Belafonte served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Enlisting in 1943 at age 17, Belafonte served as a munitions loader. Although he didn’t see combat, his experiences in the Navy exposed him to racial discrimination, which would later fuel his passion for civil rights activism.
After his discharge in 1945, Belafonte used his G.I. Bill benefits to study acting, launching a career that would make him a global star and influential activist. At 96 years old, Belafonte remains an outspoken advocate for social justice, his wartime experiences having shaped his worldview and commitment to equality.
From Battlefield to Playing Field: Athletes Who Served
Warren Spahn: From Combat Engineer to Baseball Hall of Famer
Before he became one of baseball’s greatest pitchers, Warren Spahn served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Enlisting in 1942 at age 21, Spahn served in the 276th Engineer Combat Battalion. He saw action in the Battle of the Bulge and the bridge at Remagen, earning a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service.
Spahn’s wartime experiences delayed the start of his major league career, but also gave him perspective that he credited for his longevity in the sport. He often said, “After what I went through overseas, I never thought of anything I was told to do in baseball as hard work.” Spahn passed away in 2003, but his legacy as both a war hero and baseball legend lives on.
Unsung Heroes: Lesser-Known Celebrities Who Served
James Arness: From Anzio to Gunsmoke
Before he became Marshal Matt Dillon on “Gunsmoke”, James Arness served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Enlisting in 1943 at age 20, Arness served as a rifleman with the 3rd Infantry Division. He participated in the invasion of Anzio, Italy, where he was severely wounded, leading to his medical discharge in 1945.
Arness’s wartime experiences influenced his portrayal of the stoic, brave Marshal Dillon, a role he played for 20 years. He passed away in 2011, but his contributions both on and off screen continue to be remembered.
Charles Durning: From D-Day to Dancing Actor
Charles Durning, known for his roles in “The Sting” and “Tootsie”, had a harrowing wartime experience shaping his acting career.
Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 at age 20, Durning was the first wave of troops to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was wounded multiple times during the war and was awarded the Silver Star and three Purple Hearts.
Durning’s wartime experiences gave depth to many of his performances, particularly in war films. He passed away in 2012, leaving a legacy as a decorated war hero and a versatile character actor.
The Lasting Impact of Service
These celebrity veterans, some still with us and others remembered, represent just a fraction of the millions who served during World War II. Their stories remind us of the diverse backgrounds of those who answered the call to service and how those experiences shaped their later lives and careers.
For many, their wartime service provided a perspective that influenced their work in entertainment, sports, and activism. They brought their experiences to their art, using their platforms to share stories, challenge societal norms, and advocate for causes close to their hearts.
As we lose more World War II veterans each year, including these famous faces, preserving and sharing their stories becomes increasingly important. They serve as a living link to a pivotal moment in history, offering personal insights into the realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
Honoring Their Legacy
The stories of these celebrity veterans offer a unique window into the impact of World War II on individual lives. They remind us that behind the familiar faces we see on screen or stage, there are often untold stories of sacrifice, courage, and service.
As we reflect on their experiences, we’re reminded of preserving these narratives for future generations. Whether through oral histories, documentaries, or simply sharing their stories, we can ensure that the contributions of all World War II veterans – famous or not – are remembered and honored.
These celebrity veterans, with their remarkable stories of service and survival, are powerful reminders of the diverse tapestry of experiences that make up our shared history. Their legacies, both as servicemembers and as public figures, continue to inspire and educate, bridging the gap between past and present, and reminding us of the enduring impact of what has been called “The Greatest Generation”.
