John Wayne Visits Brisbane

 John Wayne Hollywood actor visited Australia during World War II to entertain the troops in forward areas. This photograph was taken at the Albion Park Raceway, Breakfast Creek, Brisbane, on 27 December 1943. He poses here, dressed in full military uniform, with Lt. Col. Blackween.

In 1999, the American Film Institute named Wayne 13th among the Greatest Male Stars of All Time.

John Wayne, was an American film actor, director and producer. He epitomized rugged masculinity and became an enduring American icon. He is famous for his distinctive voice, walk and height. He was also known for his conservative political views and his support, beginning in the 1950s, for anti-communist positions.

A Harris Poll, released January 2011, placed Wayne third among America's favorite film stars,the only deceased star on the list and the only one who has appeared on the poll every year since it first began in 1994.

The Searches 1956

Wayne was a popular visitor to the war zones in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. By the 1950s, perhaps in large part due to the military aspect of films such as the Sands of Iwo Jima, Flying Tigers, They Were Expendable, and the Ford cavalry trilogy, Wayne had become an icon to all the branches of the U.S. and Australian Military, even in light of his actual lack of military service. Many veterans have said their reason for serving was in some part related to watching Wayne's movies