Marlene Dietrich, one of the biggest filmstars in the 1930s and 40s, German-born actress who decided that she would not make movies under the Nazis, but instead fight them, one of the few Hollywood stars to leave the United States to serve on the front lines of WW II, sleeping on bunk beds and floors, in tents, under constant threat, 'meeting a grueling schedule of performances under battle conditions, during adverse weather and despite risk to her life. Although her health was failing, Miss Dietrich brought pleasure and cheer to more than five hundred thousand American soldiers' (quoted from her Medal of Freedom citation 1947) - she later called in her destiny.

Most images are from the book "Marlene Dietrich an der Front" ('Marlene Dietrich on the front lines'), photos mainly from Deutsche Kinemathek - Marlene Dietrich Collection Berlin.

The photos of her playing the violin are from 1945 in Caserta, on the piano 1944 near Formia, both on the Italian front line; the photo on the bunk bed shows her non-existent "changing room", where she put on her glamorous sparkly robe and high heels (photo George Silk); the last photo is her with General Patton.

She was awarded the following medals for her service during WW II (among others) - Ordre pour le Merite, Ordre Nationale de la Legion d'Honneur : Commandeur, Ordre Nationale de la Legion d'Honneur, Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France) , Operation Entertainment Medal (United States and U.S. Armed forces) and the Medal of Freedom (United States).

(Btw, if anyone thinks that this sub isn't the right place for this post, I'll remove it anytime)

Marlene Dietrich serving on the front lines in WW II, entertaining troops and fighting Nazis, 1942-45