John Wayne-role model

TACC1 · Nov 21, 2014

I was watching Big Jake the other day, and it reminded
me of an article about his life and times. The author said
that John Wayne didn't want to go to war /cuz it'd wreck
his career. That may have been the reason he looked
embarrassed when I met him while crossing thru our
compound in DaNang. I wonder if he ever figured out
how much his movie roles inspired kids like myself.
With all the political garbage that was going on at the time,
some folks might have been unhappy with the government.
His example was that you may not have the best
leaders, but I was never ashamed of my country, then
or now. Just thought I'd share that.
JMHO, TACC1.

chief38 · Nov 21, 2014

Had John Wayne really been the person that he portrayed in the many films he made - he would have been a far better role model.

When I was a kid I was inspired by him just like any other red blooded kid growing up in the 50's and 60's - however after college and becoming more inquisitive, I shortly found out that his bravery, machismo and live right screen life did not carry over to his real life.

I guess if he really did inspire real people and helped them out somehow from his films, then he did some good - but we need to always remember that he was just an ACTOR and might have been better off if he followed what he preached on screen.

Yorkie Man · Nov 21, 2014

I read that he wanted to join the service as a sergeant but was told he would have to start out like everyone else. John Ford liked veterans and that was a point of contention between him and Wayne. If you want to read about a real veteran read Jimmy Stewart, he flew numerous bombing missions in WW2. He actually quit acting to volunteer.

steelslaver · Nov 21, 2014

It is unfortunate that we have become a society that finds its role models in actors and athletes. Our role models should be our countries leaders, lawyers, doctors, scientist, business men. It is shameful that the corruption by greed for money and power has riddled the classes that should be role models.

sheepdawg · Nov 21, 2014

In 1973 he was honored with the Veterans of Foreign Wars highest award, The National Americanism Gold Medal.

Not exactly an outfit that bestows it's highest honor on a coward or draft dodger. How about presenting facts not something you read somewhere or overheard your buddy say.

GatorFarmer · Nov 21, 2014

He had a legitimate draft deferrment in WW2. He was reportedly too old, had too many kids, and had old football injuries.

Clark Gable and Jimmy Stewart both had to fight to get anybdegree of combat assignment with the then US Army Air Force. Stewart took it upon himself to learn to fly before the war. He was seen as a bit old but fought to be assigned as an active combatant.

legelegel · Nov 21, 2014

Jimmy Stewart flew in a B-52 bombing mission in Vietnam in February 1966.

Mr. Stewart Goes to Vietnam

http://goldenageofaviation.org/stin.gif

http://goldenageofaviation.org/stinson.html

soFlaNative · Nov 21, 2014

steelslaver said:
It is unfortunate that we have become a society that finds its role models in actors and athletes. Our role models should be our countries leaders, lawyers, doctors, scientist, business men. It is shameful that the corruption by greed for money and power has riddled the classes that should be role models.

He was before my time but the sports figure adulation may be a carry over from Ted Williams giving up some prime playing time to serve his country. To be sure he was one of a kind but folks can only hope more will follow his footsteps.

Arik · Nov 21, 2014

Regardless of his real life actions I don't get why people associate him (or any actor) with what they do in movies. As kids go I understand but we do grow up and there should be some understanding or distinction between reality and movie make believe. I'm sure Anthony Hopkins doesn't really eat people, Will Smith was never a fighter pilot....

Aticus · Nov 21, 2014

There are a lot of actors who are as anti-gun as anyone but still make large sums of money in shoot-em-up movies. One of the Wahlbergs comes to mind. We as a society put our entertainers and hired help in the government on pedestals and treat them like minor gods. Remember folks if it weren't for our watching these performers and paying their salaries they'd have no job.

Don't mean this to be political just a comment on how our society behaves

sheepdawg · Nov 21, 2014

soFlaNative said:
He was before my time but the sports figure adulation may be a carry over from Ted Williams giving up some prime playing time to serve his country. To be sure he was one of a kind but folks can only hope more will follow his footsteps.

Not only Ted Williams but Bob Feller gave up years in his prime and saw action in the Pacific. Yogi Berra was at Normandy. I won't fault anyone for looking up to a sports figure. There are some class acts in today's sports also. How many little Latino kids look up to a Yadier Molina. Tim Tebow is another that comes to mind. Bubba Watson, all class acts.

zzzippper · Nov 21, 2014

"The Duke" was booed out of a military hospital filled with Okinawa casualties.

the ringo kid · Nov 21, 2014

TACC1 said:
I was watching Big Jake the other day, and it reminded
me of an article about his life and times. The author said
that John Wayne didn't want to go to war /cuz it'd wreck
his career. That may have been the reason he looked
embarrassed when I met him while crossing thru our
compound in DaNang. I wonder if he ever figured out
how much his movie roles inspired kids like myself.
With all the political garbage that was going on at the time,
some folks might have been unhappy with the government.
His example was that you may not have the best
leaders, but I was never ashamed of my country, then
or now. Just thought I'd share that.
JMHO, TACC1.

The truth behind Duke not serving is: Duke DID try to join the Army or Marines in WWII-was officially turned down by the War Dept--and the letter they sent him said in part: That they felt that he was more valuable for the war effort for him to continue making movies and public appearances.Duke was also already 34 years old and had four children. These docs are posted somewhere on : John Wayne | Official Site --which is owned and operated by his son: Ethan Wayne--and also on: www.dukewayne.com And thank you for your service sir..

the ringo kid · Nov 21, 2014

Yorkie Man said:
I read that he wanted to join the service as a sergeant but was told he would have to start out like everyone else. John Ford liked veterans and that was a point of contention between him and Wayne. If you want to read about a real veteran read Jimmy Stewart, he flew numerous bombing missions in WW2. He actually quit acting to volunteer.

Duke DID try joining but--was already 34 in 1941, had 4 children and the War Dept sent him a letter basically stating that he would be more valuable for the war effort to keep making his movies and public appeanances and such. I dont know many they took in who--were at Dukes age--and who already had a large familiy to take care of.

the ringo kid · Nov 21, 2014

sheepdawg said:
In 1973 he was honored with the Veterans of Foreign Wars highest award, The National Americanism Gold Medal.

Not exactly an outfit that bestows it's highest honor on a coward or draft dodger. How about presenting facts not something you read somewhere or overheard your buddy say.

Exactly................

Also,NOBODY, can wever say that Duke was not atriotic. He mademovies like: Sands of Iwo Jima--to honor the Marines, having already honored the Army with: Back To Bataan, the Navy withmovies like: They Were Expendable-and at least one other--The Alamo--honoring Americans and its history--and The Green Berets--as his tribute to our guys in Vietnam. The Alamo-and The Green Berets--he risked all his money and properties--in order to make.

I dont see anyone complaining that Erroll Flynn, Robert Mitchum, Burgess Meredith and others--didnt serve--even though they all too-made many war movies.

the ringo kid · Nov 21, 2014

GatorFarmer said:
He had a legitimate draft deferrment in WW2. He was reportedly too old, had too many kids, and had old football injuries.

Clark Gable and Jimmy Stewart both had to fight to get anybdegree of combat assignment with the then US Army Air Force. Stewart took it upon himself to learn to fly before the war. He was seen as a bit old but fought to be assigned as an active combatant.

True on all accounts. If I and we arent believed? one can always try sending an email to Ethan Waynewho is in charge of Wayne enterprises and of the fantastic site: John Wayne | Official Site

the ringo kid · Nov 21, 2014

zzzippper said:
"The Duke" was booed out of a military hospital filled with Okinawa casualties.

That was a myth and proven wrong many years ago. It was proved that that was part of someones opinion placed as an OPED somewhere on the net years ago. Turned out that the person who wrote it--was always anti-John Wayne and finally reformed and actually started liking Duke decades after his passing--when he watched and loved: The Shootist....That man later posted a retraction of his dislikes for Duke with one of the best articlesI ever read on him. The man admittedhow wrong he was for not liking Duke-not ever giving himany real chance either. I dont know the gents name but--he posted something on the John Wayne site years ago--making his retraction.

just jim · Nov 21, 2014

steelslaver said:
It is unfortunate that we have become a society that finds its role models in actors and athletes. Our role models should be our countries leaders, lawyers, doctors, scientist, business men. It is shameful that the corruption by greed for money and power has riddled the classes that should be role models.

Amen to that, it's becoming a very interesting world.

Xfuzz · Nov 21, 2014

the ringo kid said:
I dont see anyone complaining that Erroll Flynn, Robert Mitchum, Burgess Meredith and others--didnt serve--even though they all too-made many war movies.

B. Meredith....USAF during WWII, Captain.

Not fan. Never heard of him til "Grumpy Old Men".
But, the outtakes of him from that movie knocked me out.

the ringo kid · Nov 21, 2014

Xfuzz said:
B. Meredith....USAF during WWII, Captain.

Not fan. Never heard of him til "Grumpy Old Men".
But, the outtakes of him from that movie knocked me out.

Thank you for the corretion on Burgess. Ive always been a fan of his since he did:The Story of G.I. Joe with Bob Mitchum. He was Ernie Pyle. Loved him in the Batman TV series--and as the rtrainer for Stallone in his boxing movies.

John Wayne-role model

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