When The Stars Went To War

"Often told in the performers' own words, When the Stars Went to War is the story of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable, Henry Fonda, and the other leading men who went into combat. It is the story of Carole Lombard, Bette Davis, Groucho Marx, Jimmy Cagney, Greer Garson, and a host of others who raised millions for the war effort by selling bonds, and of such luminaries as Marlene Dietrich, Mickey Rooney, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Jack Benny, who put themselves in considerable danger entertaining troops at the front." "And, of course, it is the story of the ones who stayed behind: those who tried to enlist and were turned down, those who were given cushy home-front jobs, those who passed the time having love affairs with the spouses or lovers of fellow actors who had gone to war - the hardworking and the guilt-ridden." "Perhaps the stars' most important contribution to the war effort was the films they made, films that kept up morale and inspired America's fighting men. As one young G.I. put it, "Somehow it's better to be fighting for Lana Turner than it is to be fighting the Great Reich ... because she is all our girls rolled into one.""--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This New York Times bestselling account of books parachuted to soldiers during WWII is a “cultural history that does much to explain modern America” (USA Today). When America entered World War II in 1941, we faced an enemy that had banned and burned 100 million books. Outraged librarians launched a campaign to send free books to American troops, gathering 20 million hardcover donations. Two years later, the War Department and the publishing industry stepped in with an extraordinary program: 120 million specially printed paperbacks designed for troops to carry in their pockets and rucksacks in every theater of war. These small, lightweight Armed Services Editions were beloved by the troops and are still fondly remembered today. Soldiers read them while waiting to land at Normandy, in hellish trenches in the midst of battles in the Pacific, in field hospitals, and on long bombing flights. This pioneering project not only listed soldiers’ spirits, but also helped rescue The Great Gatsby from obscurity and made Betty Smith, author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, into a national icon. “A thoroughly engaging, enlightening, and often uplifting account . . . I was enthralled and moved.” — Tim O’Brien, author of The Things They Carried “Whether or not you’re a book lover, you’ll be moved.” — Entertainment Weekly

From the Turner Classic Movies Library: Film and history buffs alike will enjoy this engrossing story of Hollywood's involvement in World War II, as it's never before been told. Remember a time when all of Hollywood—with the expressed encouragement and investment of the government—joined forces to defend the American way of life? It was World War II and the gravest threat faced the nation, and the world at large. Hollywood answered the call to action. This is the riveting tale of how the film industry enlisted in the Allied effort during the second World War—a story that started with staunch isolationism as studios sought to maintain the European market and eventually erupted into impassioned support in countless ways. Industry output included war films depicting battles and reminding moviegoers what they were fighting for, "home-front" stories designed to boost the morale of troops overseas, and even musicals and comedies that did their bit by promoting the Good Neighbor Policy with American allies to the south. Stars like Carole Lombard—who lost her life returning from a war bond-selling tour—Bob Hope, and Marlene Dietrich enthusiastically joined USO performances and risked their own health and safety by entertaining troops near battlefronts; others like James Stewart and Clark Gable joined the fight themselves in uniform; Bette Davis and John Garfield created a starry haven for soldiers in their founding of the Hollywood Canteen. Filmmakers Orson Welles, Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock, and others took breaks from thriving careers to make films aiming to shore up alliances, boost recruitment, and let the folks back home know what beloved family members were facing overseas. Through it all, a story of once-in-a-century unity—of a collective need to stand up for humanity, even if it means risking everything—comes to life in this engrossing, photo-filled tale of Hollywood Victory.

More than any other sport, professional football contributed fighting men to the battles of World War II, and the 22 or so players or former players that lost their lives are among the riveting stories told in this tribute to football's war heroes that spans many decades and military conflicts. The National Football League counts three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients among its honors, along with numerous Silver Stars, Distinguished Flying Crosses, and Purple Hearts. When Football Went to War offers a ground-breaking look at football—college and professional football alike—and many of the wartime heroes who came off the field of play to fight for their country. Detailed biographies of those who gave their lives are supplemented by many other stories of wartime heroism, from World War I through to Pat Tillman's tragic death in the Global War on Terrorism. Football has become the most popular sport in America and this heartfelt book honors the many sacrifices of NFL athletes over the years in service of their country.

From one of America's most honored aviation authors comes a must-read book for aviation fans and World War II history buffs alike. Serling offers the dramatic chronicle of the glory days of the propeller plane, telling the story of the airline pioneers and pilots, mechanics and engineers, who became key players in momentous military engagements from the European theater to the Pacific. of photos.

Combined with never-before-published photographs and other special features, this account tells the compelling and unforgettable story of ballplayers such as Ted Williams, Dom DiMaggio, Jerry Coleman, Bob Feller, Lou Brissie, and Johnny Pesky who answered their nation's call to serve their country.