John Wayne remains an enduring icon of American masculinity and patriotism, particularly recognized for his roles in war films. His image was cemented in the 1940s, a decade defined by World War II, yet Wayne himself did not serve in the military during this pivotal period. While he portrayed servicemen on screen, his off-screen choices and the complexities of his relationship with the war offer a fascinating, and at times contradictory, narrative. This is particularly evident in his collaboration with director John Ford on the film They Were Expendable, a movie that grapples directly with the sacrifices of war, even as Wayne’s own war-time experience remained in Hollywood.
Wayne’s ascent to stardom coincided with the onset of WWII. His breakthrough role in John Ford’s 1939 western Stagecoach catapulted him into the limelight, establishing his on-screen persona as a rugged, quintessentially American hero. This image resonated deeply with audiences, particularly as the nation geared up for war. However, unlike many of his contemporaries who traded Hollywood for military uniforms, Wayne remained stateside. This decision has been the subject of much scrutiny and speculation over the years.
Several factors contributed to Wayne’s choice not to enlist. By the early 1940s, he was a rising star with significant financial responsibilities, including a family to support. His career was still relatively nascent, and leaving Hollywood for military service could have jeopardized his hard-won success. Beyond career considerations, Wayne’s personal life also played a role. During this time, he was reportedly engaged in affairs, most notably with Marlene Dietrich. Some accounts suggest these relationships and a desire to remain close to Hollywood opportunities influenced his decision to stay out of uniform.
Despite not serving, Wayne became involved in war films, and notably, They Were Expendable (1945), directed by John Ford, a decorated veteran of World War II. This collaboration is particularly intriguing given the contrasting war-time experiences of the two men. Ford, who served in the Navy and documented combat, brought a veteran’s perspective to the film, which depicts the early days of the Pacific War and the heroic, often desperate, actions of PT boat crews. Wayne, in the lead role, portrays a Navy Lieutenant Commander, embodying the stoicism and courage expected of American servicemen. The film itself is a poignant, if sometimes romanticized, portrayal of wartime sacrifice, and the dynamic between Ford, the veteran, and Wayne, the non-veteran star, adds layers of complexity to its production and reception.
The shadow of Wayne’s non-service during WWII arguably followed him throughout his career and may have subtly influenced his later persona and right-wing political activism. In the post-war era, Wayne became an outspoken conservative and a staunch advocate for American exceptionalism, often portraying hyper-patriotic characters in his films. Whether this was a conscious effort to overcompensate for his lack of military service is debatable, but it is undeniable that his on-screen patriotism became a defining characteristic of his star image.
John Wayne’s relationship with World War II is a complex tapestry of on-screen heroism and off-screen choices. They Were Expendable remains a significant film in his career, not just as a war movie, but as a point of intersection between his crafted image and the realities of a world at war. It highlights the fascinating contradictions within the persona of John Wayne, the movie star who embodied American wartime ideals without experiencing the war himself.
