The Charles Lindbergh Problem
Rita Hayworth graces the Sept. 6, 1941, cover of LIFE in the midst of becoming a triple threat singing, dancing and glamor star. Meanwhile, America’s greatest hero of the 20th Century, Charles Lindbergh, was causing big problems as America was about to tumble into WWII. Lindbergh’s admiration for Germany was palpable. And he revealed his racism as he “expressed the hope that eventually Britain, a Germanized Europe and the U.S. would find themselves co-operating in a mutual “White” front against the more numerous but less skilful races of the world-Yellow, Brown and Black.” Serving as an apologist for Germany, he stated dangerous ideas about might and right. “In periods of satisfaction, ‘right’ becomes associated with the law, while in periods of strife it becomes an ally of force…” “Germany, as a ’strong people dissatisfied with it’s position,’ had turned to that primeval ‘right’ of force.” He led the America First movement that preached isolation and drew adoring crowds. Pearl Harbor put an end to America First and Lindbergh tried to get in the fight. But Roosevelt was furious with him and would have none of it. Later in the war as a civilian in the Pacific front, he flew 50 combat missions and was credited with destroying an enemy plane. Lindbergh also gave valuable aeronautical advice that improved the effectiveness and range of US war planes in the Pacific. After the war Lindbergh was an aviation consultant and had his reputation restored when President Eisenhower made him a Brigadier General in the reserves. Following the death of his wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh (a pioneering aviator in her own right…and author)in 2001, it was revealed that Lindbergh fathered at least five children with two sisters in Germany. The entire article is included because Lindbergh’s story is so complex.