[TiaS]

Regarding the reference to John Wayne -- what branch of the military did he serve in?

[TruBluKentuckian]

I really don't understand the context nor the reason for your question.

As most anyone would know, he was not in the military, though he volunteered for WWII. He failed his physical due to a badly healed broken leg he received while playing football at USC in his college days. That leg is the very reason he had that "John Wayne swagger" when he walked.

He was told by the military that he could serve the country better by building morale at home making movies.

Again, I don't understand your question, because the writer of the article was referencing two ACTORS. One a communist traitor, the other a staunch, pro-war Republican, both wore their beliefs on their sleeves.