Rogers, Will, 1911-1993

William Vann Rogers, generally known as Will Rogers, Jr. (October 20, 1911 – July 9, 1993), was an American politician, writer, and newspaper publisher. A member of the Democratic Party, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives representing California's 16th congressional district from 1943 to 1944.

Born in New York City, where his father, Will Rogers, was performing, he grew up in Los Angeles, graduating from Beverly Hills High School before attending Stanford University and the University of Arizona, earning a B.A. at the former. On completing his studies, Rogers served as publisher of the Beverly Hills Citizen newspaper, a role in which he continued until 1953. He had been commissioned a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, but did not go on active duty. With U.S. entry into World War II, however, he enlisted as a private in June 1942, and was commissioned in the field artillery the following month and assigned to the 893rd Tank Destroyer Battalion. While on active duty, Rogers was elected to the House of Representatives from California, and was sworn into office on January 3, 1943. He served in the 78th Congress. He did not complete his term, however, returning to active duty in the Army after resigning from Congress on May 23, 1944.

After his resignation, Rogers was assigned to the 814th Tank Destroyer Battalion and served in the European campaign in George Patton's Third United States Army. Rogers was wounded in action and also received a Bronze Star. He was released from active duty on March 1, 1946. Later in 1946, he was the Democratic nominee for a U.S. Senate seat in California, losing to incumbent Republican William F. Knowland. Rogers was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1948, 1952, and 1956. Other government service included terms as a member of the California State Parks Commission and special assistant to the Commission on Indian Affairs during the Johnson administration. Rogers had a minor careeer as an film and television actor, notably portraying his father.

In his later years, Rogers retired to his ranch at Tubac, Arizona. In poor health after suffering several strokes, having heart problems, and having had hip replacements, Rogers killed himself in 1993.