We were quite surprised to read in the attached editorial that addressed the concept of issuing draft deferments to the most popular Hollywood actors during W.W. II. We were also just as surprised to learn that the idea was not cooked-up by Jack Warner, Sam Goldwyn or any of their respective yes-men, but a plan that sprung forth from the fertile cranium of the executive officer in charge of the Selective Service: Brigadier General Lewis Blaine Hershey (1893 – 1977: pictured above in a 1950 photograph).
Twenty years earlier a Hollywood actor would get in some hot water for also suggesting that talented men be excused from the W.W. I draft…
More about W.W. II Hollywood can be read here.
Click here to read about the American draft-dodgers of the Second World War.
Read why Frank Sinatra didn’t get drafted…
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General Lewis Blaine Hershey selective service in ww2 Hollywoodmovie stars drafted to warselective service commander General Lewis Blaine Hershey considered issuing draft deferments to Hollywood actorsGeneral Lewis Blaine magazine articleGeneral Lewis Blaine Hershey selective service draft deferments WW2 Hollywood
General Lewis Blaine Hershey selective service in ww2 Hollywoodmovie stars drafted to warselective service commander General Lewis Blaine Hershey considered issuing draft deferments to Hollywood actorsGeneral Lewis Blaine magazine articleGeneral Lewis Blaine Hershey selective service draft deferments WW2 Hollywood
