From Dropping Bombs to Entertaining Troops: A Showman Serves in the Army Air Corps

Michael Diederich Sr. wanted to be an entertainer. He grew up dancing, and with his partner was the Florida State Swing Dance Champion in the late 30s. When WWII broke out, he enlisted and was assigned as a nose gunner and bombardier on a B-24. After completing 35 combat missions, he volunteered to work as a USO puppeteer in the Pacific Theater. In this interview he discusses his career in show business, his wartime service, and his life after the war.