As the entertainment industry mourns the loss of beloved television star Betty White, who passed away at the age of 99 on Friday, the U.S. Army reflects on her remarkable contributions as a World War II volunteer.

In a Twitter statement issued on Friday, the Army expressed their sadness over Betty White's passing and acknowledged her personal history with the military branch. They highlighted the fact that she not only excelled as an actress but also served during WWII as a member of the American Women's Voluntary Services (AWVS). Recognizing her as a true legend both on and off the screen, the Army paid tribute to her invaluable service.

Although Betty White embarked on her acting and modeling career in the late 1930s, she temporarily put her aspirations on hold during the Second World War. At the age of 20 in 1941, she joined the ranks of the AWVS.

The AWVS recruited women volunteers to provide essential services such as ambulance and truck driving, firefighting, aircraft spotting, navigation, and aerial photography.

In a candid interview with Cleveland magazine in 2010, White reminisced about her time serving in the AWVS. She shared memories of driving a truck loaded with supplies to barracks in the Hollywood Hills and attending dances organized for the troops before their deployments overseas.

Reflecting on the tumultuous era, White observed, "It was a strange time and out of balance with everything... which I'm sure the young people are going through now. We'll never learn. We'll never learn."

Tragically, Betty White passed away just two and a half weeks shy of her 100th birthday, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished. Her agent and close friend, Jeff Witjas, expressed his deep sorrow, emphasizing that he believed she would live forever. Witjas also shared that Betty longed to be reunited with her beloved husband, Allen Ludden, and remained fearless about the prospect of passing away as she believed they would be together again.

Betty White leaves an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the military community, forever remembered for her talent, her service, and her unwavering spirit.