Alma Carroll

Alma Carroll (January 11, 1924 – May 3, 2019) was an American actress who was named Miss America of National Defense at the age of 17.

Early years Carroll was born in Los Angeles, California on January 11, 1924, as the daughter of Mrs. Ernest A. Stevens. She planned to be a teacher

Career When she was 18, Carroll signed with Columbia Studios. The competition in Venice, California, involved 100 or more young women. After her victory, Carroll and "traveling welcomette" Janet Mantell, toured military bases around the United States, including those in Salt Lake City, Denver, Omaha, and Quantico. The tour totaled 9,000 miles, with expenses paid by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.

The following year, Carroll joined a group of film stars on the Hollywood Victory Caravan, which toured the United States and raised $800,000 for Army and Navy relief funds. After the caravan ended, she continued to perform with Bob Hope in shows at military bases in California.

Personal life Carroll married artist Bill Lignante, and the couple visited California military hospitals, where he sketched wounded servicemen. Carroll died on May 3, 2019, at the age of 95.