Soldier, actor, Legionnaire

American Legion Post 1 in Paris has a deep sense of its own history, and of its place in the history of the organization as a whole. 2022 has seen the introduction of the post’s Center for Research, which “will encompass our work and research, and provide opportunities for non-American Legion professionals as well as Legion members to collaborate with us,” according to post leadership.

A new addition to the holdings of the center is a YouTube interview of Post 1 member George Birt, conducted in his home in the 8th Arrondissement by Mariana Martini and Bryan Schell. Birt, a Massachusetts native, was a well-known actor in Boston and New York before he joined the Army and rose to become 9th Division entertainment NCO, traveling to Armed Forces installations in Germany, France and North Africa to entertain and help keep morale up. He worked with, among others, Raymond “Perry Mason” Burr, and himself appeared in movies and TV shows from “Moonraker” to the “Highlander” series.

The interview can be seen here.