Robert Montgomery was more than just a prominent figure in Vintage Hollywood; he was also a committed member of the US military. He paused his acting career during World War II to serve with the US Navy in both the European and Pacific Theaters. His devoted service earned him several decorations and the respect of both the American public and his fellow professionals.
Robert Montgomery’s early life
Robert Montgomery was born on May 21, 1904, in Fishkill Landing (now Beacon), New York. His family suffered a great tragedy some 18 years later, when his father, the president of New York Rubber Company, jumped off of the Brooklyn Bridge, distraught at having lost the family’s money.
When he came of age, Montgomery relocated to New York City to pursue a life of acting and writing. Before long, he’d established himself on the stage, with his prowess eventually securing him a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in Hollywood. Soon after, he made his on-screen debut in 1929’s So This Is College.
Making a name for himself in Hollywood
At the beginning of his Hollywood career, MGM limited Robert Montgomery to solely comedic roles, showing reluctance when he took on a more serious part in the 1930 film The Big House. His performance in the movie was positively received, demonstrating to the industry that he was capable of more than just comedy.
In the same year that The Big House was released, Montgomery starred with Greta Garbo in Inspiration and subsequently appeared in several films with Norma Shearer. By 1935, he had been appointed president of the Screen Actors Guild, a position he would return to in 1947. Two years later, he featured in Night Must Fall, a role that earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
Montgomery received a second Academy Award nomination for his role as boxer Joe Pendleton in the 1941 film Here Comes Mr. Jordan.
Robert Montgomery served in two theaters of World War II
Even before the United States entered World War II, Robert Montgomery knew he wanted to do his part. He put his acting career on hold and traveled to Europe to volunteer his services as an ambulance driver with the American Field Service (AFS). From the fall of Paris to the Germans, up until the Dunkirk evacuations, he drove injured servicemen to Vouvray, in central France.
After a brief return to the US, during which he participated in a rally for the American Red Cross, Montgomery enlisted in the US Navy. Rising to the rank of lieutenant commander, he saw action in both the European and Pacific Theaters. He was aboard the destroyer USS Barton (DD-772) during the Allied landings at Normandy, being among the first to set foot in Cherbourg Harbor, and participated in action at the likes of Guadalcanal, Espiritu Santo, New Georgia and Noumea.
A complete summary of Montgomery’s service is as follows:
- Served on the staff of the commander of Destroyer Squadrons 5 and 60.
- Executive Officer (XO) of Motor Torpedo Boat 5 (PT-5).
- Assistant naval attaché at the US Embassy in London, United Kingdom, working in the Intelligence Section.
- Served aboard the light cruiser USS Columbia (CL-56).
- Commanding officer of PT-107.
For his service during the Second World War, Montgomery received the Bronze Star, the World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, among other decorations.
Return to Hollywood
Upon his return to Hollywood, Robert Montgomery co-starred in They Were Expendable, alongside John Wayne and Donna Reed. He subsequently began his move into directing, with his first credited directorial feature being 1947’s Lady in the Lake.
As the years went on, Montgomery continued to act and direct, even hosting the Emmy Award-winning television series, Robert Montgomery Presents. His last on-screen appearance came in 1960’s The Gallant Hours, which starred James Cagney.
For his contributions to the entertainment industry, Montgomery received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: one for film and the other for TV.
Robert Montgomery worked with Dwight D. Eisenhower
As with many working in Hollywood in the immediate aftermath of World War II, Robert Montgomery was concerned about any Communist influence, appearing as a “friendly witness” before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HCUA) in 1947.
Seven years later, the actor took on an unpaid role under Dwight D. Eisenhower, who’d recently become president of the United States. It was Montgomery’s task to ensure the commander-in-chief looked his best when addressing the American public.
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On September 27, 1981, at the age of 77, Robert Montgomery passed away from cancer. His body was cremated and his ashes were given to his family.