Did John Wayne really avoid military service in World War II?

Answer 1

In a way, yes he did. At the time he was married and had kids, and he received an exemption from the draft. Later on he was classified as 1-A, but the studio he worked for got him an exemption in the "national interests" since he was becoming a war hero on film. The whole story can be read at the below link.

Answer 2

John Wayne Military Service

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Did John Wayne really avoid military service in World War II?

Answer 4

Wayne's draft status, due to his age and family size, kept him from being immediately drafted in the military. He did have limited service in the Pacific during war. As for avoiding combat duty, many celebrities who did serve the military were purposely kept out of combat. Having celebrities in the uniform was a great recruiting tool, one not to be risked in combat. Ever wonder why Joe Louis, an Army private, was never sent to combat duty? BTW. John Wayne never claimed to be a war hero. Yet he saw as much combat as Jesse Ventura and John Kerry.

Answer 5

John (Wayne) Catlett Class 1952

Joined MD National Guard after graduation, and served thru 1954 (while working on B&ORR). At about that time ('54) a lengthy furlough occurred, and I transferred to active duty for a period of 6 mos. to attend an infantry service school (Ft. Bennings, GA) for additional training in my NG MOS field. Near the end of THAT time, my regular Selective Service No. came up in the draft, and after a brief "delay enroute" back to home, In entered the regular Army for a 2-yr. stint. Was inducted at Ft. Knox, KY and then sent to Camp Gordon, GA for completion of 10 wks. of basic. Thought I could use my primary MOS to get stationed at Aberdeen, MD (Weapons, etc.) but they were over their quota, so went to Ft. Lee, VA for Supply Training. That led to an assignment to the Signal Corps, and a brief stint at Ft. Devens, MA, where I got caught up in a military training exercise that entailed running all over the state of Louisiana (from the Signal Corps base of operations at Ft. Polk, NC). After that, I put in for an overseas assignment (trying for the Far East because I thought some of the old gang were over there), but was sent to Crailsheim, Germany for the remaining year of my active service. I was mustered out at Ft. Dix, NJ in 1957.