World wishes Wayne well in birthday acclaim

Press, 28 May 1979, Page 9

World wishes Wayne well in birthday acclaim

NZPA Los Angleles As greeting cards, bouquets, and telephone calls poured in from all over the world, the American film star, John Wayne, celebrated a quiet 72nd birthday on Saturday with his family at the University of Los Angeles Medical Centre. Wayne’s seven children and 17 grandchildren were the only visitors permitted to the hospital where he is undergoing treatment for stomach cancer. In Washington, President Jimmy Carter paid glowing tribute to the veteran of 200 Hollywood movies as a symbol of “The American ideals of integrity, courage, and patriotism.” President Carter, who approved the striking of a

gold medal in Wayne’s ’ ’ honour recently voted by Congress said the actor I “represented to the world s many of the deepest ’ values this nation respects. “He has served, and will t continue to serve, as a model for America’s young people” the Presi- « dent concluded. Wayne’s 15-year fight against cancer has been i; continuing with ex- I perimental radiation and ) chemical treatment at the university medical centre in Los Angeles since May ’ 2. “The Duke,” as he is known in the United States, underwent stomach I surgery in January, but ; new cancer cells were found in his intestines early this month.