Mickey Rooney on Tour in Germany, 1945

Private First Class Mickey Rooney imitates some Hollywood actors for an appreciative audience of 44th Division Infantrymen. Rooney toured by jeep as a member of a three-man unit entertaining the troops. Kist, Germany, 13 April 1945. The photo clearly shows many interesting details like Rooney's personal sheath knife with a bone handle, and the weapons and equipment of the soldier-audience.

Physically short, but full of energy and vitality, Rooney was the #1 box office actor in the United States from 1939-41. He entered the Army for 21 months in 1944 to serve with a unit of artists providing field entertainment.

Today in WW II: 17 Sep 1939 Soviet troops invade Poland from the east. More ↓

17 Sep 1944 Thousands of Allied planes begin airborne assault on Holland, Operation Market Garden.
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