Humphrey Bogart remains an enduring figure of Hollywood’s Golden Age. His good looks and rough demeanor are engraved into popular culture through movies like Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon. However, in addition to his acting career, Bogart was a mariner and served in that capacity, and more, in both World Wars.
World War I: Service in the United States Navy
Bogart was a lover of the sea and enlisted in the United States Navy in the Spring of 1918. He served as a signalman aboard the SS Leviathan, a troop transport ship. The Leviathan had previously been the Vaterland, a German passenger ship which had been seized by the Americans at the outset of their entry into the conflict. During her time in service she transported over 110,000 American servicemen to Europe.
Much of Bogart’s time in the Navy was spent after the official end of hostilities ferrying soldiers back and forth between Europe and North America. Despite this however, he still managed to somehow earn his trademark scar while serving. Accounts vary as to what exactly transpired, but what is certain is that the scar on his lip would go on to become an important part of his onscreen presence. Bogart was honorably discharged in 1919.
WWII: The USO and Service in United States Coast Guard Temporary Reserve and Auxiliary
Like many Hollywood stars Bogart “did his bit” during the Second World War. His first patriotic act during that conflict was service with the USO on a 1943 tour of North Africa and Italy, including a stop in the real Casablanca. Bogart also supported the American war effort by going on tours selling war bonds. Upon returning to the United States Bogart enrolled himself and his yacht, Santana, in the United States Coast Guard Temporary Reserve and Auxiliary.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian, volunteer branch of the Coast Guard and the Temporary Reserve was comprised of individuals who served in the Coast Guard on a part-time basis. They had something of a dual status. During actual service they were members of the military, however, once off-duty, they reverted back to civilian status. The temporary reservists, using private vessels volunteered for service in the Coast Guard, conducted coastal patrols of inlets and waterways, stood watch, provided port security, and did other work that freed up regular Coast Guardsmen for service overseas.
Setting sail from Balboa, California, Bogart would take his yacht out for weekly patrols. He would also take those opportunities to meet up with actress Lauren Bacall, whom he would later marry.
Sources:
Alejandro de Quesada. The US Home Front 1941-1945. New York: Osprey Publishing, 2008.
Justin F. Gleichauf. Unsung Sailors: The Naval Armed Guard in World War II. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1990.
Humphrey DeForest Bogart uscg.mil Accessed Nov 2010
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