Hollywood Went to War

Number 24 in our series Hollywood Went to War, is western star Col. Tim McCoy.

McCoy was a decorated soldier in the United States Army during World War I (although not in combat or overseas) and again in World War II in Europe, rising to the rank of colonel with the Army Air Corps and Army Air Forces. He also served the state of Wyoming as its adjutant general between the wars with the brevet rank of brigadier general. At 28, he was one of the youngest brigadier generals in the history of the U.S. Army.

...In 1942, McCoy ran for the Republican nomination for the open US Senate Seat from Wyoming. Interestingly enough, during that campaign, he established the first state-wide radio hookup in Wyoming broadcasting history. He lost in the primary and within 48 hours volunteered for active duty with the U.S. Army.

He had maintained his Army Reserve commission and was immediately accepted. McCoy spent the war in the U.S. Army and performed liaison work with the Army Air Forces in Europe, winning several decorations. He retired from the army and, according to lore, never lived in Wyoming again. His "Eagle's Nest" ranch was sold. He retired from films after the war, except for a few cameo appearances much later.

Col. McCoy, we thank you for your service. R.I.P.