Existing comment:
Combat America
Clarke Gable, 1901-1960
Born Cadiz, Ohio
U.S. Treasury Department posters often featured prominent faces to promote war bond drives. In 1942, devastated by the death of his wife, actor Carole Lombard, in a plane crash, film star Clark Gable joined the U.S. Army Air Forces. Attached to a heavy bombardment group and assigned to procure footage for recruitment films, Gable flew on numerous bombing missions. His tolerance for risk was so high that some equated his actions with a death wish. Having earned a Distinguished Flying Cross and other honors, Gable and his crew were sent home after six months. Their extensive combat footage resulted in four short films and one major feature, Combat America, which was used for trainings and also shown in clubs and factories during World War II. Although Gable was determined to do more than entertain, he understood the value of using his fame to support the war effort at home.
Unidentified artist for the US Treasury Department, 1944 |