Did John Wayne ever serve in the military?

Cecil replies:

The closest Wayne ever came to military action was a three-month entertainment tour of Pacific bases that he went on in 1944. His childhood dream — to become a naval officer — was never realized, although he did come close to receiving an appointment to Annapolis. Later, during World War II, he was rejected for military service. He was never a cowboy, either.

(For an update of this column, click here.)

Cecil Adams

Send questions to Cecil via cecil@straightdope.com.