Discover the iconic WWII pin-up girls who boosted morale for millions of American servicemen across Europe, the Pacific, and the home front. This collection explores the history of wartime pin-ups, their influence on military culture, and their lasting impact on aviation nose art, posters, calendars, and GI memorabilia. From Betty Grable to classic Vargas girls, explore how these vintage pin-ups became symbols of hope, patriotism, and nostalgia during World War II. Dive into our WWII pin-up gallery to learn the stories behind the artwork that defined an era.
K. T. Stevens was a World War II–era actress whose career spanned Broadway, radio, film, and early television. Born into a Hollywood family, she built her reputation on stage during the war years, appearing in major productions while her image reflected the quiet glamour and professionalism of the period.
K. T. Stevens: Hollywood Pedigree, Wartime Glamour, and WWII Pin-Up Read More »
Ida was born on February 4, 1914, Camberwell, London, England to a show business family. In 1933, her mother brought Ida with her to an audition and Ida got the part her mother wanted. The picture was “Her First Affaire” (1932). Ida, a bleached blonde, came to Hollywood in 1934 and played small and insignificant parts.
WWII Pin-Up Ida Lupino Read More »
ivid, strikingly beautiful actress Anne Gwynne arrived in Hollywood a typical starry-eyed model looking to become a big film star, and ended up one of Universal Studio’s favorite screamers in “B” horror films. Born Marguerite Gwynne Trice in Waco, Texas on December 10, 1918
Anne Gwynne WWII Yank Pin Up Girl – June 11, 1944 Read More »
Nan Wynn was an American big-band singer and actress. Born on May 8, 1915 was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia, where she attended high school, and sang in the school choir. Nan Wynn recorded with many well-known orchestras, including those of Teddy Wilson, Freddie Rich, Raymond Scott and Hal
Nan Wynn Yank Pin Up June 1943 Read More »
Barbara Bates, a lovely, demure, but very troubled young spirit, began her career at age 19. Groomed in obscure starlet bits, it wasn’t until Warner Bros. signed her up in 1947 and perpetuated an appealing girl-next-door image that things started happening for her.
Barbara Bates WWII Yank Pin Up Girl June 1, 1945 Read More »
Elizabeth Ruth Grable ( Betty Grable) was born on December 18, 1916, in St. Louis, Missouri. Her mother Lillian was a stubborn and materialistic woman who was determined to make her daughter a star. Elizabeth, who later became Betty, was enrolled in Clark’s Dancing School at the age of three. With her mother’s guidance, Betty
Betty Grable WWII Pin Up Read More »
Joan Dixon was born in Norfolk, Virginia on June 6, 1930. She is known for her role in the film noir, “Roadblock” (1951).
Joan Dixon WWII Pinup Read More »
Gene Tierney Gene Tierney was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 19, 1920, to well-to-do parents. Her father was a very successful insurance broker and her mother was a former teacher. Her childhood was lavish indeed. She also lived, at times, with her equally successful grandparents in Connecticut and New York. She was educated
Gene Tierney: Yank Pin UP May 25, 1945 Read More »
Born Katherine Elizabeth McLaughlin on June 8, 1921 in Topeka, Kansas, she went to Hollywood in 1939 at the age of 18. She was signed by 20th Century Fox in 1940 and was credited in her early films as Bettie McLaughlin. Adopting the name Sheila Ryan, she starred in “Dressed to Kill” (1941) the following
Sheila Ryan WWII Pin Up Model Read More »
Maria Elena “Lina” Romay was a Mexican-American actress and singer. She was born on January 16, 1922 to Porfirio Romay, the attache to the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles.
Lina Romay YANK Magazine Pin Up Girl – May 18, 1945 Read More »
