Fact he was an average actor who didnt serve his country but stayed safe and sound at home making films when the real heros were overesas getting shot at.
John he was born May 26, 1907, making him 38 at the outbreak of hostilities - with a family.
After France fell in 1940, Congress enacted a pre-war (sometimes called peacetime) draft; conscriptees only had to serve one year. In 1941, by a one vote margin in the House, Congress extended the one-year draft. After Pearl Harbor, Congress extended the draft to men age 18-38 (at one point, 18-45). I would note the married men were not drafted after age 35.
I would also note that Wayne applied to the U.S. Naval Academy, (1924 or 25, I’m not sure) but was not accepted.
Wayne was exempted from service due to his age (34 at the time of Pearl Harbor) and family status, classified as 3-A (family deferment).
As for him being an average actor - I’ll leave that up to you. I’ve known him to be a likeable and considerate man.