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During World War II, many famous actors risked their careers and lives to fight for their country, including Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable, Henry Fonda, Robert Taylor, Alan Ladd, William Holden, Robert Ryan, and Robert Montgomery. And many young men who had not yet made their acting debuts in World War II, such as Charles Durning and Lee Marvin, saw combat and were seriously injured.
With the 80th anniversary of D-Day, which was the largest amphibious invasion in military history with five naval assault divisions invading the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, let’s look at some actors who participated in the massive operation.
5 artists who were present 80 years ago
Charles Durning
The talented character actor, who was just 21 years old, was among the first cast members to receive nine Emmy nods and Oscar nominations for supporting actor for 1982’s “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” and 1983’s “To Be or Not to Be.” The soldier and the only member of his unit survived to land. “I was the second man on my barge,” he would insist. “First and third man killed.” A few days after arriving in Normandy he was injured by a German land mine and spent six months in hospital. In addition, he returned to active service and received the first of his three Purple Hearts.
In addition, Durning would be awarded the Silver Star for his efforts. Durning actively participated in veterans-events Chaired the United States National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans and spoke for PBS’s “National Memorial Day Concert” for 17 years. However, Durning was so traumatized by his memories that he refused to discuss them. “Everybody present with me is in a state of denial. I will carry something with me forever.”
James Doohan
At the start of the war, the Canadian-born actor, who played Scotty, chief engineer of the beloved Enterprise in the first “Star Trek” and its follow-up films, was drafted into the Royal Canadian Artillery. At Juno Beach, he was a member of the assault force.
In addition to taking out two snipers, he guided his soldiers over anti-tank mines and onto high ground, where they made their camp for the night. That night, a concerned Canadian sentry – instead of a German soldier – shot Doohan six times. One of the bullets had to amputate his right middle finger. To hide the amputation, he frequently wore a unique flesh-colored glove with a fake finger.
David Niven
A few days after D-Day, the well-known British actor and writer, who won his only Best Picture Oscar for the 1958 film “Separate Tables,” took part in the Allied invasion. Niven was a member of the Secret Signals and Reconnaissance Squad, as Durning was reluctant to talk about his experiences in France.
Upon request he would tell this story: “Some American friends begged me to find the burial of their son at Bastogne. I found it where they had promised, but it was surrounded by 27,000 other things, so I reasoned with myself, Niven, that you may rest in peace there.” There were 27,000 reasons.”
Richard Todd
The British-Irish actor, who was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar in 1949 for “The Hasty Heart,” served as a lieutenant in the 7th Parachute Battalion of the British 6th Airborne Division. On D-Day, he jumped out of his plane. First the BBC website says that the Pegasus Bridge was “a key strategic landmark in the offensive. of the war.” Todd was attached to Major John Howard’s staff. He could have continued fighting on D-Day.
He had a fictional role opposite Robert Taylor in MGM’s 1956 film “D-Day the Sixth of June” and would play Major Howard six years later. The grand story “The Longest Day.” In 2003 he returned to Normandy. “I believe it’s important to remind the next generation of the true nature of the struggle… I always love walking through cemeteries and seeing the names of those who died. Going back brings back memories for me.
Jack Warden
The talented character actor, who was nominated for Oscars for “Shampoo” in 1975 and “Heaven Can Wait” in 1978, and won an Emmy in 1971 for “Brian’s Song,” was set to take part in D-Day. The 23-year-old staff sergeant was a 101st Airborne Division paratrooper at the time. On the eve of D-Day in England, he broke his leg after falling from a tree during a night practice. It took him eight months to recover. On the bright side, during his hospital stay, he chose to pursue acting after reading a Clifford Odets play.
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