Existing comment:
Marlene Dietrich
As one of Germany's best-known stars, Marlene Dietrich was an especially valuable propaganda agent for the US.
German Star Becomes American Patriot:
Marlene Dietrich became a US citizen after defying Hitler's orders to return to her native Germany. The sultry performer risked her own safety to entertain American troops at the front lines during World War II.
In 1944, the OSS tapped Dietrich to record songs to broadcast to German troops. Her nostalgic reading of German lyrics was intended to lower morale and promote defection. After the war, she received the Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor. |