Reason Number 3: Displaced Paperworkĭisplaced paperwork is another possible reason why John Wayne did not serve in WWII.

As an actor, Wayne qualified as a “2-A” registrant in a non-agricultural occupation. So, it was no surprise that they did not want to ‘“lose” him to the war. After his “Stagecoach” role, Wayne was the only A-list actor at Republic Pictures. Republic Pictures, when Wayne was eligible to enlist, filed a “2-A” deferment to keep him in their studio. “2-A” is another classification with grounds for deferment. John Wayne was considered one of these 3-A registrants because he had a wife and 4 kids to provide for. Its official name is “Hardship Deferment.” It applies to registrants whose commitment to service can burden (cause hardship for) their families. “3-A” is one of the classifications that allowed the registrant to defer service. It is speculated that John Wayne did not serve in WWII because he was classified as “3-A” when he did his part in registering with Selective Service. John Wayne Draft Dodger? – 5 Potential Reasons to Why Are there other actors who didn’t serve in ww2? What are some of John Wayne’s WW2 movies? John Wayne Draft Dodger? – 5 Potential Reasons to Why.

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