Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/766812
SAGAFTRA.org | Special Issue 2017 | SAG-AFTRA 80 merica entered World War II the day after Japan bombed the American naval fleet stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941, for two hours, killing more than 2,000 U.S. sailors and soldiers. Two of Japan's allies, Germany and Italy, declared war against the United States on Dec. 11. As many Screen Actors Guild and AFRA members joined the military to serve overseas — including some of the country's most popular stars like Clark Gable (widower of Carole Lombard), Tyrone Power and James Stewart, who became pilots — those on the "home front" also came together to donate time and talent to aid the war effort. SAG and AFRA made it easy for members to find volunteer work at home. Not since America entered the First World War in 1917 did performers have so many opportunities to be of service and help their country secure victory. In January 1942, Screen Actors Guild's Screen Actor magazine included a special "What Can I Do?" section for prospective volunteers, and AFRA's L.A. Local Official Bulletin called on its members to support the Hollywood Victory Committee for Stage, Screen and Radio (formed Dec. 10, 1941). Illustrating the power of volunteering, after the war's end in 1945, the Hollywood Victory Committee compiled its summary final report of accomplishments on the home front and overseas: "56,037 free appearances by 4,147 personalities in 7,700 events. 13,555 playing days by 176 personalities on 122 overseas tours. 5,947 playing days by 407 personalities on 406 hospital and camp tours. 2,056 one-night stands by variety troupes playing West Coast installations. 214 personalities on war bond tours. 264 personalities on war bond broadcasts and radio transcriptions. 2,428 entertainment transcriptions for overseas transmission by Armed Forces Radio Service. 38 film shorts made with top stars. 390 broadcasts and transcriptions for war relief and charity. 561 personal appearances for war relief and charity. 50 personalities on Canadian war bond tours. 34 personalities on transcribed radio programs for Canadian war bond drives. 19 personalities in film shorts contributed to Canadian war bond drives." You can read the four-page original report by clicking here. Volunteer opportunities for SAG-AFTRA members throughout the country abound today. If you would like to offer your services, visit the websites of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and the SAG-AFTRA's A Call to Arts program. — Valerie Yaros Movie star Carole Lombard, wife of Clark Gable, volunteered to promote the sale of War Bonds in her home state of Indiana in January 1942. After a successful fundraising effort, her plane crashed on the return trip, killing all aboard. The January 1942 issue of Screen Actor magazine stated, "Loyalty to actors inspired Carole Lombard to join the Screen Actors Guild. She was one of the first stars to join on Oct. 17, 1933. Loyalty to America inspired Carole Lombard to join in the Indianapolis program, where her individual effort stimulated the sale of more than $2 million in defense bonds. She died in the service of her nation, Jan. 16, 1942." ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// SAG-AFTR A ARCHIVES X5