Josephine Baker, was one of showbiz’s most iconic African American performers. After marrying a Frenchman, Jean Lion, she moved to Paris. In 1940, when the Nazis began their occupation of Paris, Baker showed just how deep her loyalty to her adopted nation was, becoming a spy for the Allies. During her travels across Europe to perform, Baker would conceal messages within her costumes or her sheet music for other Allied spies. She also used her status as a desired society presence to eavesdrop at various embassy events and balls. After the war, Josephine Baker was awarded the Croix de guerre by the French Military.
