The most popular pinup of American servicemen during World War II, actress, dancer, and singer Betty Grable was the symbol of an era. Dressed in a bathing suit and looking over her shoulder at the camera in her famous pinup, she radiated the optimism of an all-American girl and gave the American servicemen a vision of what they were fighting for. Not only did her image adorn barracks all over the world, but her likeness was used by the military to teach their men how to read grid maps. The star of Technicolor musicals at Twentieth Century-Fox, she reigned supreme, registering as the number one box office star in 1943 and appearing on the list of top stars from 1942-1951. Her legs were considered so close to perfection that they were insured by Lloyd's of London for one million dollars as a publicity stunt.

Born...