Who was the highest-ranking actor in military history?

On July 23, 1959, Stewart was promoted to brigadier general, becoming the highest-ranking actor in American military history.

Who is the famous actor to attain the highest U.S. military rank in history for an entertainer and what was his rank?

Jimmy Stewart

Stewart notably was the first famous actor to volunteer for World War II service. Not only did he serve as a pilot in the Air Force Reserve, but he also rose all the way to the level of brigadier general. That made him the highest-ranking actor in military history.

Was Jimmy Stewart really in the military?

On March 22, 1941, Jimmy Stewart was drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces. He was assigned to the Army Air Corps as an enlisted man and stationed at Moffett Field, Calif. During his nine months of training at that base, he also took extension courses with the idea of obtaining a commission.

How did Jimmy Stewart become a brigadier general?

Stewart continued his military career after WWII by serving in the Air Force Reserves and rose to the rank of Brigadier General. President Reagan awarded him the Medal of Freedom, which is the highest award that can be awarded to a civilian in the United States.

Why didn't John Wayne serve in the military during World War II?

Wayne never enlisted and even filed for a 3-A draft deferment, which meant that if the sole provider for a family of four were drafted, it would cause his family undue hardship. The closest he ever came to World War II service was portraying the actions of others on the silver screen.

100 Greatest Generals in History

Did Clint Eastwood serve in the military?

In 1951 Eastwood was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He was a swimming instructor at Fort Ord, California. Clint Eastwood in his Army uniform during the Korean War.

Was Tom Selleck in the military?

He served from 1967 to 1973. He later appeared on California National Guard recruiting posters. The military left a strong impression on Selleck, who recalls his service with pride, "I am a veteran, I'm proud of it," he said. "I was a sergeant in the U.S. Army infantry, National Guard, Vietnam era.

Did Gary Cooper serve in the military?

Another appendix contains two dozen captioned images of actors and actresses "boosting GI morale." A final appendix tabulates 38 prominent stars who were unable to qualify for military service during World War II (among them were Fred Astaire, Marlon Brando, Gary Cooper, Errol Flynn, Cary Grant, Bob Hope, Peter Lawford ...

Did Henry Fonda serve in the military?

Already an acclaimed stage and screen actor, Fonda joined the Navy on August 22, 1942. He was quoted as not wanting to “be a fake in a war studio.” At 37, Fonda was almost too old for acceptance into service, but he was determined.

What is the highest ranking general?

The highest rank in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps is General (four star), followed by Lieutenant General (three star), Major General (two star) and Brigadier General (one star). Five men have held the rank of General of the Army (five star), George C. Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D.

Did Chuck Norris ever serve in the military?

None other than Chuck Norris. Norris, who served in the Air Force before rising to fame, says in his video that he was named an honorary Marine several years ago and has been proud of that distinction ever since.

What actor has been in the most war movies?

You know Keith David. If any character actor can be considered as having a lot of time in fictional service, it's Keith David. He was an integral character in the legendary war film Platoon, way back in 1986, and has since been a go-to for military roles.

What famous actor was a Marine?

Drew Carey – Comedian and actor Drew Carey served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1980 to 1986. He credits his trademark haircut and glasses to the time he spent with the Marines.

What was Jimmy Stewart's rank in the service?

Stewart entered the Air Force Reserve and retired after 27 years of service with the rank of major general, the highest-ranking Hollywood actor to serve in uniform. The on-screen honest, straightforward and humble “everyman” persona audiences loved was the same off-screen.

Has anyone ever served in all 5 branches of the military?

REENA ROSE SIBAYAN/The Jersey JournalVeteran Bob Button stands in his Jersey City home next to photos of himself in the Navy, Marine Corps and Army. Button has served in all five branches of the military.

Did Morgan Freeman serve in the military?

After four years in the Air Force, he was honorably discharged as an airman first class in 1959. He subsequently moved to Los Angeles and took acting classes at the Pasadena Playhouse. He also studied theatre arts at Los Angeles City College.

Was Sylvester Stallone in the military?

Sylvester Stallone has a long history of playing the military hero in movies. However, Stallone did not serve in the military. Stallone did register for the draft, but he was not drafted to service.

Did Andy Griffith serve in the military?

No Military Service for Andy

While he was undergoing a required medical evaluation, they discovered he had a herniated disk in his lower back — sustained years earlier when he had fallen from a tire swing. As a result, his military services were not required.

Did Marlon Brando serve in the military?

He was sent to Shattuck Military Academy in Minnesota, where his father had studied before him. Brando excelled at theater and did well in the school. In his final year (1943), he was put on probation for being insubordinate to a visiting army colonel during maneuvers.

Did Roy Rogers serve in the military?

Rogers carried a 1-A draft classification, but he never entered the service. Carlton Stowers, who helped Rogers with his autobiography, says that at the point of Roy's induction, the Selective Service lowered the maximum age limit for men being drafted.

What was John Wayne's net worth?

SANTA ANA, Calif., June 20 (AP) —John Wayne left an estate worth $6.85 million, but none of it will be going to his third wife, Pilar, from whom the actor separated in 1973, according to a will filed yesterday.

Who is the most famous veteran?

Was Willie Nelson in the military?

Willie Nelson served in the U.S. Air Force for a short time after graduating high school in 1950. However, back troubles forced him to leave the service after being stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Did Tom Selleck ever serve in Vietnam?

After he was drafted during the Vietnam War, Selleck joined the 160th infantry regiment of the California National Guard. “I am a veteran. I'm proud of it,” he said. “I was a sergeant in the U.S. Army infantry, National Guard, Vietnam era.