George Wendelken; Child Actor, Enlisted Man’s Representative

George Wendelken, 81, who played Freckles in the classic “Our Gang” comedy shorts of the 1920s. After his years as a child star ended, Wendelken became well-known during World War II. He was a Seabee, a member of the Navy Construction Corps, and was wounded during fighting on Guadalcanal. His experience won him appointment as the first Enlisted Man’s Representative in Washington, D.C., for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. In that position, Wendelken gave talks on Armed Forces Radio, and in speeches around the country sold more than $200 million in war bonds. On Jan. 3 in Toms River, N.J.