If you want a good read, check the life of Hollywood actor Peter Ortiz.(played a French speaking, eye patched officer in several Wayne westerns). WWII Marine, but one hell of a career.
Father was well to do business man, Educated atUniversity of Glenoble, spoke 10 foreign languages, at 19 joined the French Foreign Legion (father tried to get him out but he refused and served his 5 years).
In those five years he was awarded three times Legion awards for bravery in combat. Offered a commission if he would reup in the Legion, but went to Hollywood as military film consultant(1937-1939). When WWII broke out in Europe and USA not involved, he rejoined the Legion, received a battlefield commission, captured by the Germans, escaped and made his way back to USA arriving the day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.
Joined the USMarines and was sent to BOOT CAMP!!!!! (after serving 7 years in the French Foreign Legion as enlisted and an Officer and have been awarded 5 of Frances higher awarded for bravery.
CO of USMC Boot Camp sent request to Commandant to commission Ortiz, which was accomplished on his 40th day of Boot Camp and then off for special assignment with OSS, promoted to Captain in less then 6 months. Below is just a brief chronology of his next 3 years with OSS, look it up, WOW!
Assigned to North Africa by OSS
Wounded in North Africa
Parachuted into France multiple times prior to DDay
Captured in France, escaped again
Was awarded the Navy Cross twice, Purple Heart twice, Legion of Merit
Stayed in the Marine Corps Reserve and retired as a Colonel.
Volunteered for duty in Indochina in 1954 as an observer, CMC disapproved the request.
One other Hollywood actor was in the OSS, that being Sterling Hayden, Marine Officer, parachuted into Yugoslavia multiple times to coordinate with partisan forces under Tito.
Most of these were three man teams that made the jumps. OIC, specialist, radio operator