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.

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