Posted on 07/23/2018 3:47:10 PM PDT by eastforker
Mickey Rooney's Service Record. In June of 1944, Mickey was inducted into the United States Army at Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, Calif. Three days later he boarded a troop train headed for Fort Riley, Kansas where the Mick was instructed in cavalry tactics. A trooper for sure, Mickey particularly enjoyed basic training: the forced marches with heavy packs, the obstacle courses, and especially time spent on the rifle range where he qualified as sharpshooter with the automatic rifle. He was quite clearly leadership material and within two weeks time was promoted to squad leader. Despite that the Mick excelled in tactics and training, a whiner in the group incited trouble by stating that the only reason Rooney received promotion to squad leader was because of his Hollywood celebrity status. Entirely untrue, Mickey would not have anyone, not even a veteran, denegrate his love of country and honorable service. He called the soldier out. The two came to fistacuffs--bare knuckle--with the entire squad looking on. Rooney, famous for his short stature, got the best of his opponent before the fight was broken up. Afterward, the two made amends over a couple of brews. There were no other questions raised as to Mickey's patriotism, nor did anyone wish to test the "punch" of the "little giant."
(Excerpt) Read more at army.togetherweserved.com ...
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mickey-rooney-dead-legendary-actor-694041
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http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/famousveteran/index?tab=articles
Mickey Rooney always kept in super shape with his incredible dancing skills. I imagine he could beat up a lot of people bigger than him. And then tap dance a few circles around them.
Only 5’2” tall, amazing.
In reading the article, he trained for combat and chemical warfare.
I remember him in a TV episode, I think it was “Naked City”.
He portrayed a character named “Ooftus Gooftus”. The only reason I remember it is at the end, I found my self crying. Very unusual for me.
He was one heck of an actor.
I love him in all the Andy Hardy movies. Judy Garland is in many of them.
Pretty impressive - I thought he spent all his time during the war making movies.....
That was Hollywood’s long-past patriotic period.
Mickey was a very proud member of American Legion Post #44 in Hollywood. He wore his Legion cap to many veterans events.
Post #44 is a very historic place in Hollywood - if anyone has a chance, it is worth the visit.
All these great Americans that Served.. I wonder how many current stars that have served?
There are a few, haven’t got there yet.
Here's a veteran you haven't yet covered. Look for more detail about his World War II service in the glider squadrons. I remember a Military History magazine article with some astonishing stories.
I’ll get to him, there is about a hundred I haven’t covered yet.
Excellent. Thank you for your efforts; this is an excellent series.
Is that “Darby O’Gill and the Little People,” with an incredibly young Sean Connery?
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