These Famous Women Served in the Military

Hedy Lamarr, the renowned Austrian-American actress and inventor, played a crucial role in developing a frequency-hopping system that helped the Allies communicate securely during World War II. Her work, though not recognized during the war, is considered a precursor to modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology.

In 1942, Lamarr and Antheil demonstrated their invention to the Navy. The Navy was still not convinced, but they agreed to fund further research on the system. Eventually, the Navy did adopt the frequency-hopping system, and it was used to protect Allied communications in various theaters of World War II.

The acclaimed British actress Dame Judi Dench had a brief military connection. She joined the York Mystery Plays as part of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) during World War II.

Shirley Temple Black, the iconic child star who became a beloved actress, singer, and dancer, also made significant contributions to the U.S. military during World War II. She served as a U.S. Army captain in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA. In 1943, Temple joined the OSS, the wartime intelligence agency that was the precursor to the CIA. She served as a captain in the First Motion Picture Unit, which produced training films and propaganda for the U.S. military.

Gal Gadot, the Israeli actress best known for her role as 'Wonder Woman' in the DC Extended Universe films, served in the Israel Defense Forces for two years as a combat instructor. Here is an overview of her military service. When Gadot turned 18, she was required to serve in the mandatory two-year conscription program of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). She chose to serve in the combat training division, where she became a combat instructor for the Nahal Brigade.

Olivia de Havilland, the iconic actress known for her roles in films such as 'Gone with the Wind' (1939) did not directly serve in the military during World War II. However, she made significant contributions to the war effort through her work as a USO entertainer. In 1942, de Havilland began traveling with the USO (United Service Organizations) to entertain troops stationed in the United States and the South Pacific. She performed in shows, sang songs, and interacted with soldiers, providing them with a welcome break from the hardships of war.

The American actress and martial artist served as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve. She was also a six-time World Karate Champion and a five-time Weapons World Champion.

Vanessa Williams, the renowned American singer, actress, and model, has a brief connection to the military through her voluntary enlistment in the United States Army Reserve in 1983, following her historic win as Miss America. She served for seven years as a public affairs specialist. Despite her busy career as a singer, actress, and model, Williams felt compelled to serve her country. In 1983, she voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. She served for seven years as a public affairs specialist, working on projects related to public relations, community outreach, and media relations.

The American actress and singer served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. She worked as a medical clerk and performed in USO shows for troops.

Martha Raye, the beloved American actress, singer, and comedian, was known for her tireless dedication to entertaining troops during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. She became affectionately known as "The Stage Door Canteen Queen" and "The Queen of the USO." In the 1940s, Raye's career took a dramatic turn when she began entertaining troops at military bases around the world. She traveled extensively, performing in USO shows and bringing laughter and joy to soldiers during times of immense hardship.

Nina Foch, the Dutch-born American actress, did not serve in the military in the traditional sense. However, she did make significant contributions to the military through her work as a USO entertainer during World War II. In 1943, Foch joined the USO (United Service Organizations), a nonprofit organization that provides morale and entertainment to U.S. troops. She toured extensively, performing in shows for soldiers stationed in the United States and overseas.