A Sailor's Story: Lieutenant Henry Fonda



Lieutenant Henry Fonda was born May 16, 1905, to William Brace and Elma Herberta Fonda in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Lieutenant Henry Fonda was athletic, particularly in swimming, skating, and running. He also obtained his Eagle Scout. He began an acting career at the age of 20 with the Omaha Community Playhouse, transitioning to films in 1935.

He was a founding member of the Hollywood Democratic Committee, created to support Franklin D Roosevelt's New Deal. Lieutenant Henry Fonda voluntarily enlisted in the US Navy during World War II, not wanting to just act as a war participant. He served three years, first aboard the USS Satterlee and then on the USS Curtiss. Earning a Navy Presidential Unit Citation and Bronze Star.

After taking some time off, Lieutenant Henry Fonda resumed his acting career, ultimately completing 118 films and plays,  winning two Academy Awards, a BAFTA, two Golden Globes, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

He was longtime best friends with James Stewart. He was also good friends with John Wayne and Ross Alexander.

Lieutenant Henry Fonda's hobbies included making model airplanes, kite making, oil painting, and beekeeping. He also liked to watch All in the Family.

He died in Los Angeles of heart disease on August 12, 1982, at 77.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to the travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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Location: Grand Island, NE, USA

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