He's a recipient of the nations highest honor for a citizen, the U.S. presidential medal of freedom.
When America's involvement in World War II began, he tried to enlist but was rejected due to an old football injury, he was 34, and he was married, father of four status. He was so dejected he even flew to Washington to ask to be allowed to join the Navy - but was turned down. Since he couldn't fight abroad, he decided to do his part at home, and dedicated himself to the war effort by making inspirational war films.
To all Americans, he became the true symbol of the American fighting man. Duke fought against Communism in his own backyard. In the 1940s he was one of the most notable stars to come out against the communist conspiracy in Hollywood.
http://www.medaloffreedom.com/JohnWayne.htm
2007-02-26 14:22:06 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Interesting that you would reverse the course of his actions. He went to Mexico until his request for exemption for having too many children was approved. Then he brought up the "football" injury. Hero? No, movie star? Yes. Communist conspiracy in Hollywood. How many times has that been debunked.
No Wayne is not a war hero, of any kind. His movies with him being in the military are pure fantasy and money making oppotunities for himself. He did them because they were popular at the time.
Interesting how he got his nickname "THe Duke".
2007-02-26 14:50:07 · answer #1 · answered by Jim R 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Was Marrion Morrison a war hero , NO! But Lee Marvin was.
2016-01-19 15:44:09 · answer #2 · answered by turnbull_alex 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Duke was a man when we needed heroes. Today being a man and supporting wars is unpopular. Where is the Duke when we need him? Better yet, is there a star out there that has the intestinal fortitude to rise up and show us what John Wayne showed us? Certainly it won't be Tom Crews!
2007-02-26 14:27:54 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Some of his movies were private propaganda films that accounted for a large part of the recruiting effort for the wars during his era. He deserved the credit he received for increasing a feeling of patriotism throughout the country during his time.
2007-02-26 14:28:14 · answer #4 · answered by meathookcook 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My ex father-in-law fought in WW2 and he had a lot to say about John Wayne, none of it good. He certainly thought that John Wayne was nothing but a fake.
Personally, I couldn't say, except that my ex father-in-law (now deceased) was an honest, honorable man.
2007-02-26 14:26:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
He's an entertainer. I watched many of his films, he's huge and he has fans all over the world. But a war hero? Naw!
2007-02-26 14:32:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Maybe not a war hero, but he was an all American Hero
2007-02-26 14:25:04 · answer #7 · answered by EHS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen to "Sands of Iwo JIma" by the Drive-By Truckers.
2014-12-25 13:51:14 · answer #8 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He was also an self-admitted racist. That does not sit right with me.
He was as much a soldier as Rocky was a boxer.
2007-02-26 14:30:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
He is to me.
2007-02-26 14:25:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋