Vintage Hollywood Icon Robert Montgomery Commanded PT Boats and Fought on D-Day

Robert Montgomery was a notable presence in Vintage Hollywood and a devoted member of the US armed forces. He put his acting career on hold during World War II to enlist in the US Navy, serving in both the European and Pacific theaters. His steadfast commitment earned him many awards and the admiration of both the American public and his peers.

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

Early in his Hollywood career, MGM limited Robert Montgomery to solely comedic roles , showing reluctance when he ventured into a dramatic part in the 1930 film The Big House . However, his well-received performance proved to the industry that he was versatile beyond comedy.

That same year, Montgomery shared the screen with Greta Garbo in Inspiration and later appeared in multiple films with Norma Shearer. By 1935, he was elected president of the Screen Actors Guild, a position he would take up again in 1947. Two years later, he starred in Night Must Fall , a role that earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

Montgomery was nominated again for another Academy Award for playing 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

After returning to Hollywood, Robert Montgomery co-starred with John Wayne and Donna Reed in They Were Expendable . He then transitioned into directing, with his first credited directorial effort being Lady in the Lake in 1947.

Over the years, Montgomery remained active in both acting and directing roles, also hosting the Emmy Award-winning television series Robert Montgomery Presents . His final on-screen role was in 1960's The Gallant Hours , which featured James Cagney.

In recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry, Montgomery was honored with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame : one for film and another for his TV work.

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.