Robert Taylor (born Spangler Arlington Brugh; August 5, 1911 â June 8, 1969) was an American film and television actor and singer who was one of the most popular leading men of cinema.
Taylor learned to fly in the mid-1930s, and served as a United States Navy flying instructor during World War II. He was sworn into the United States Navy on February 9, 1943 and commissioned as a Lt. (j.g.). His examining officer, Lt. John Canady, announced the following: âTaylor passed his general mental classification and his mechanical aptitude tests with the highest grades reported here in many monthsâall Aâs and Bâsâ¦.And as far as his physical is concerned, he passed his flyerâs physical with aâ¦13âand 14 is as good as you can get.â
First, he was stationed at the Naval Air Training Base in Dallas for basic training. After this, he went to the Naval Air Station in New Orleans for three months of instructor training. On January 11, 1944 he earned his wings, finishing 5th in his class. Commander R.E. Gillespie commented: âTaylor finished his training with one of the best records among the graduates.â
In January, 1944 Taylor reported to the Naval Air Station, Livermore, Ca. for duty as a flight instructor. He was discharged in 1945 as a Lieutenant.
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