Bob Ross was a master sergeant in the USMC.
Bob Ross was in the USAF
Although not an actor, Russ Meyer served during World War II as a U.S. Army combat cameraman for the 166th Signal Photo Company.
“Even then he already demonstrated a corny directing style and included nudity, like in scenes of naked GIs bathing in the Rhine in March 1945. In the Army, Meyer forged his strongest friendships, and he would later ask many of his fellow combat cameramen to work on his films. Much of Meyer’s work during World War II can be seen in newsreels and in the film Patton (1971).[4] On his return to civilian life, he was unable to secure cinematography work in Hollywood due to a lack of industry connections. He made industrial films, freelanced as a still photographer for mainstream films (including Giant), and became a well known glamour photographer whose work included some of the initial shoots for Hugh Hefner’s Playboy magazine.”
Mr. Meyer began directing independently financed feature films in 1959 with The Immoral Mr. Teas. His subsequent filmography (and occasional cameo roles in his own movies) speaks for itself.
Gregory Gadson, whose first film role was Battleship in 2012, retired from the US Army as a Colonel. On the enlisted side, Al Matthews (Apone from Aliens) was the first black Marine meritoriously promoted to Sgt.
Forgot about Merian C. Cooper. He saw action as an aviator in WWI, became a film producer and co-director (King Kong, in which he has a cameo) and later an executive. Then he returned to Air Force action in WWII, ultimately retiring as a brigadier general. All in all, an incredible life.
And actually served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
Also flew as a mercenary pilot against the Bolsheviks in the Soviet-Polish war. Shot down, interrogated by the great Russian author Isaac Babel, and escaped. I think Babel mentions him in a story in Red Cavalry.
Sterling Hayden (Gen. Jack D. Ripper in Dr. Strangelove) left a high-paying career as a model (once voted the Best Looking Man in America) and actor to enlist in the USMC as a private under a pseudonym. He was recommended for OCS, was commissioned as a lieutenant, and transferred to the OSS at the recommendation of Wild Bill Donovan, as Hayden had extensive sailing experience in the Adriatic and Mediterranean due to his Merchant Marine experience before he became an actor. After being trained as an intelligence operative, he was paarchuted into fascist Croatia, led small-boat operations into Italy with Yugoslav partisans, and set up an escape network for downed pilots. He was heaviiy decorated and retired as a Captain.
None held high rank, but both Dennis Franz (Hill Street Blues) and the guy who played Kevin’s dad on *The Wonder Years *were lieutenants in combat in Vietnam. Larry, the next door neighbor and Jack’s friend on Three’s Company was also a Vietnam vet, as was Wes Studi, the Native American actor in Last of the Mohicans and Heat
[quote=“Banksiaman, post:1, topic:805502”]
Spike Milligan - Lance Bombardier and entertainer, British Army/QUOTE]
I always liked the title of Spike Milligan’s wartime autobiography, “Adolf Hitler: My Part in His Downfall”.
Mark ‘The Human Target’ Valley is a West Point grad who served in Desert Storm.
Some other actors and celebrities who were in special operations units:
Jon Finch (Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy, Jerry Cornelius in The Final Programme, Roman Polanksi’s Macbeth) Finch served in the British Para Regiment and then joined the Territorial SAS. He reluctantly left as his acting commitments ate up more of his time.
David Niven (Around the World in 80 Days, The Pink Panther series) After graduating from Sandhurst (the British equivalent of West Point) as a Second Lieutenant, and was assigned to the Highland Light Infantry (after writing “anything but the Highland Light Infantry” on his wish-list for assignments) in 1930. He grew tired of the peacetime army, and as Wiki says:
His ultimate decision to resign came after a lengthy lecture on machine guns, which was interfering with his plans for dinner with a particularly attractive young lady. At the end of the lecture, the speaker (a major general) asked if there were any questions. Showing the typical rebelliousness of his early years, Niven asked, “Could you tell me the time, sir? I have to catch a train”.
After being placed under close-arrest for this act of insubordination, Niven finished a bottle of whisky with the officer who was guarding him: Rhoddy Rose (later Colonel R.L.C. Rose, DSO, MC). With Rose’s assistance, Niven was allowed to escape from a first-floor window. He then headed for America. While crossing the Atlantic, Niven resigned his commission by telegram on 6 September 1933. Niven then moved to New York City, where he began an unsuccessful career in whisky sales, after which he had a stint in horse rodeo promotion in Atlantic City. After detours to Bermuda and Cuba, he arrived in Hollywood in 1934.
After a successful Hollywood career, he was almost alone among British stars in America in returning home to re-enlist after WWII began. After being assigned to a rifle brigade and a motor training battalion, he transferred to the Commandos, commanding “A” Squadron, known as “The Phantom.” He particiapated in the invasion of Normandy, commanding the Phantom Signals Unit which operated behind enemy lines to locate and report enemy positions.
Niven’s Hollywood fame led to some odd situations in combat. About to lead his men into action, Niven eased their nervousness by telling them, “Look, you chaps only have to do this once. But I’ll have to do it all over again in Hollywood with Errol Flynn” Asked by suspicious American sentries during the Battle of the Bulge who had won the 1943 World Series, he answered "Haven’t the foggiest idea … but I did co-star with Ginger Rogers in Bachelor Mother! On another occasion, asked how he felt about serving with the British army in Europe, he allegedly said “Well on the whole, I would rather be tickling Ginger Rogers’ tits.”
Niven never talked much about the war. He once said, “I will, however, tell you just one thing about the war, my first story and my last. I was asked by some American friends to search out the grave of their son near Bastogne. I found it where they told me I would, but it was among 27,000 others, and I told myself that here, Niven, were 27,000 reasons why you should keep your mouth shut after the war.
**James Sikking **(Lt. Howard Hunter in Hill Street Blues). Sikking served as part of the JFK Special Warfare Center in the 4th Psychological Operations Battalion
Douglas Fairbanks Jr., (The Dawn Patrol, Prisoner of Zenda, Gunga Din). After achieving matinee idol status before WWII in America, he was commissioned as a reserve officer in the U.S. Navy when war broke out and was assigned to Lord Mountbatten’s Commando staff in the United Kingdom. He became the U.S. Navy’s leading expert on deception operations, and formed the Beach Jumper program, which simulated amphibious landings with a very limited force to convince the enemy that their site was the principal landing site. These SEAL-like shallow water operations were conducted first at the Invasion of Sicily, and throughout the Mediterranean during the remainder of the war.
For planning these operations and his part in the amphibious assault on Southern France, Lt. Commander Fairbanks received the US Navy’s Legion of Merit award with bronze V for Valor, the Silver Star for Valor, the Italian War Cross for Military Valor, the French Legion d’honneur, and the Croix de Guerre with Palm, and the British Distinguished Service Cross.
Some Paratroopers and Rangers:
Rod Serling, creator of The Twilight Zone and Night Gallery. Rod Serling fought in WWII in the 11th Airborne Division:
During his senior year of high school, he became interested in World War II and tried to inspire fellow students to join. Despite his civics teacher’s attempts to dissuade him, he enlisted after graduation.
Training took place at Camp Toccoa, Georgia for the 511th Parachute Infantry of the 11th Airborne Division. During his time training, he took up boxing as a hobby and competed in 17 bouts. He lost in the second round of division finals and later attempted the Golden Gloves to no avail. In 1944 his unit was ordered to head to the Pacific Theatre aboard the USS Sea Pike.
In November of 1944, the 11th Airborne Division first saw combat on the island of Leyte in the Philippines. They did not deploy with parachutes, however, and served as light infantry. Despite his reputation of hot-headedness and passion for serving the U.S., Serling was transferred to the 511th’s demolition platoon. The leader of his new squad said that Serling, “didn’t have the wits or aggressiveness required for combat." It was in Leyte that he witnessed a fellow soldier die from a freak accident, an incident which informed much of his writing.
Despite receiving two wounds on the island, Serling was still ready for combat and deployed with his platoon to Tagaytay Ridge in 1945 and marched on Manilla. Japanese forces defended the city with 17,000 troops and laid numerous traps. It took roughly one month to take control of the city. When a city block was peaceful enough and devoid of Japanese forces, locals would celebrate with the Allies. Serling’s unit was enjoying such hospitality one night when Japanese artillery rained down on them. He ran into the shellfire to rescue a performer, earning the notice of his sergeant.
When he was discharged in 1946, Serling had earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Philippine Liberation Medal. The experience of war followed him home, and he experienced nightmares and flashbacks for the rest of his life. Serling said that, “I was bitter about everything and at loose ends when I got out of the service. I think I turned to writing to get it off my chest.” When he returned to civilian life, he used his G.I. benefits for medical services as well as a college education. With his Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Serling started his career and went on to become a voice of altruism and philosophy that resonates with us today.
Kris Kristoferson has led quite a life. He earned a Rhodes Scholarship and attended Oxford University (J.R.R. Tolkien was one of his Literature professors), and while attending, earned his “Blue” on the Oxford Boxing Team. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, was commissioned, attended jump school and Ranger School, and became a helicopter pilot as a Captain in the 8th Infantry Division. He was slated to become a literature professor at West Point, but left instead to pursue a songwriting career, as he still had writing “Sunday Morning Coming Down” for Johnny Cash in his future, dating Janis Joplin, writing “Me and Bobby McGee,” and winning a Golden Globe for Best actor in his future. He once delivered the demos to Cash by landing a helicopter on Cash’s lawn, while on an unauthorized departure from a National Guard training mission.
Watch NCIS’ Call of Silence episode.
Then read up on the guest star, Charles Durning, in that episode. Durning was a Private First Class when discharged in 1945. It’s not his rank that’s important. It what he did and how he’s been honored that’s important.
R. Lee Ermey was a Staff Sergeant and Drill Instructor in the Marines before being medically discharged, prior to his first acting gig, as a drill instructor, in Full Metal Jacket.
James Earl Jones was a 1st Lieutenant in the Army.
Charles Durning was only a PFC, but he had a Bronze Star and a Silver Star.
Robert Duvall was only an Army private, but his father was a Rear Admiral.
Jones Earl Jones may, or may not be, a Ranger. Hewas a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army (ROTC from University of Michigan). He attended the Infantry Officers Basic Course at Ft. Benning and Ranger School - although he has claimed he washed out in interviews, it shows up on his DD-214 and others remember him passing. His unit created a Cold Weather Warfare School at Camp Hale near Leadville, Colorado. He was discharged as a First Lieutenant. I think Darth Vader should be Ranger qualified, so i hope he did.
Jimi Hendrix was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne. After two arrests for joyriding in stolen cars, Hendrix was given the choice of the Army or Jail. He enlisted in 1961, completed jump school, but broke his ankle in a training jump and was honorably discharged for “Unsuitability” in 1962 after he falsely claimed to be homosexual in order to leave service early.
Dennis Franz (Hill Street Blues) served 11 months in Vietnam in the 82nd Airborne and the 101st Airborne (some junior officers were transferred from the 82nd to the 101st which were hungry for experienced LTs when one division was sent home - I presume this happened to Franz.
Jack Warden (Heaven Can Wait, Shampoo, Brian’s Song, Used Cars, The Replacements) joined the United States Navy in 1938. He was stationed for three years in China with the Yangtze River Patrol. In 1941, he joined the United States Merchant Marine but he quickly tired of the long convoy runs, and in 1942 he moved to the United States Army, where he served as a paratrooper in the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, with the 101st Airborne Division in World War II. In 1944, on the eve of the D-Day invasion (in which many of his friends would die), Warden, now a Staff Sergeant, shattered his leg when he landed in a tree during a night-time practice jump in England. He spent almost eight months in the hospital recuperating, during which time he read a Clifford Odets play and decided to become an actor. Ironically, Warden would later portray a paratrooper from the 82nd Airborne Division in That Kind of Woman.
Don Matheson (Land of the Giants, General Hospital) is best remembered today for playing one of a band of human astronauts on a planet of giant people in Irwin Allen’s 1960s sci-fi show Land of the Giants.
He served in both the Marines and the 82nd Airborne, and fought in the Korean War winning the Bronze Star. He later worked as a narcotics detective on the Chicago PD after the war before becoming a stage actor. He started his ownm civilian jump school later in life
Alvy Moore, who played County Farm Agent Hank Kimball on Green Acres, as a Marine who fought on Iwo Jima. He was also best friends with Lee Marvin, who was wounded on Saipan. Moore went on to co-produce and appear in “A Boy and His Dog”, the film adaptation of the Harlan Ellison novella.
Tom Poston, from the Jack Paar show and “The Peeper” on the Bob Newhart Show, flew in the Army Air Corps in WWII and was one of the pilots dropping paratroopers on D-Day.
Ed McMahon, mentioned earlier, was probably the highest ranking (maybe except for Errol Flynn)m as he retired as a Brigadier General in the California Air National Guard.
McMahon hoped to become a United States Marine Corps fighter pilot. Prior to the US entry into World War II, however, both the Army and Navy required two years of college for their pilots program. McMahon enrolled into classes at Boston College and studied there from 1940–41. After Pearl Harbor was attacked, the college requirement was dropped, and McMahon immediately applied for Marine flight training. His primary flight training was in Dallas, followed by fighter training in Pensacola, where he also earned his carrier landing qualifications. He was a Marine Corps flight instructor for two years, finally being ordered to the Pacific fleet in 1945. However, his orders were canceled after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, forcing Japan’s surrender unconditionally.
As an officer in the reserves, McMahon was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. This time, he flew the OE-1 (the original Marine designation for the Cessna O-1 Bird Dog), an unarmed single-engine spotter plane. He functioned as an artillery spotter for the Marine batteries on the ground and as a forward controller for the Navy and Marine fighter bombers. He flew a total of 85 combat missions, earning six Air Medals. After the war, he stayed with the Marines, as a reserve officer, retiring in 1966 as a colonel. In 1982 he received a state commission as a brigadier general in the California Air National Guard, an honorary award to recognize his support for the National Guard and Reserves
Jonathan Winters - During his senior year at Springfield High School, Winters quit school to join the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17 and served two and a half years in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Fought in the Battle for Okinawa.
Lee Marvin left school to enlist in the US Marine Corps as a Private. Served as a Scout-Sniper. He was wounded in action in the assault on Mount Tapochau during the Battle of Saipan, during which most of his company were killed. He remained proud of his Marine service and his tombstone simply references his military rank.
Harvey Keitel left home at age 16 to join the Marines, ending up in Lebanon with Operation Blue Bat in 1958. In this 2003 interview, he said, "For me the Marine Corps was a spiritual journey. It’s not about war. Our duty is to protect those who do not have the means to protect themselves.
Larry Wilcox (CHiPs) Marines-1967 and served 13 months in Vietnam, including combat during the Tet Offensive. Staff Sergeant
Wilford Brimley served in the Korean War with the USMC from 1953-1956. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.
Gene Wolfe, my favoritest author, is also a Korean War vet, as is James Garner.
William Windom was a paratrooper who fought in WWII with the 82nd Airborne.
Bela Lugosi was a WWI vet. During World War I, he served as an infantryman in the Austro-Hungarian Army from 1914-16. There he rose to the rank of captain in the ski patrol and was awarded the Wound Medal for wounds he suffered while serving on the Russian front. Other WWI vets include J.R.R. Tolkien, Claude Rains, C.S. Lewis, and Basil Rathbone.
Charles Bronson (neé Charles Buchinsky) (1921-2003) U.S. Army Air Force 1943-45 WW II. He enlisted and served as an aircraft gunner in the 760th Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron, and in 1945 as a Superfortress crewman with the 39th Bombardment Group based on Guam. He was assigned to a B-29 bomber. He flew on 25 missions & was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received during his service.
James M. “Jimmy” Stewart (1908-1997), Colonel, U.S. Army Air Force 1941-45. WW II. Rejected by the draft for being underweight, he enlisted as a private in 1941 and became the first major American movie star to wear a military uniform in WW II. Promoted to 2nd Lt. in 1942, he flew 20 bombing missions over Europe earning 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 4 Air Medals. In 1968 he retired from the USAF Reserve a Brig General.
Audrey Hepburn was still a young teenager when she began to help the Dutch resistance during WWII. An accomplished ballerina by age 14, she started out helping the resistance by dancing. She danced in secret productions to raise money for the resistance. Hepburn also occasionally ran messages for the resistance. Had she been discovered doing either of these things, a swift execution would have followed.
Eddie Albert joined the military after he had found success as an actor. His abilities coincided fortuitously with the needs of the military. Albert toured Mexico as a clown and high-wire artist, but was actually working for Army intelligence to take pictures of U-boats before World War II. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and was discharged a short year later so that he would be able to accept an officer position in the Naval Reserve.
During the Battle of Tarawa, Albert earned a Bronze Star with Combat “V”. He fought in the first wave of combat that lasted for three days. After most of the shooting was over, he was sent back to the site of the battle to salvage any equipment he could find. Because of coral reefs in the area, Marines weren’t able to land directly on the beach and had to get off their boats 500 yards from shore. Enemy combatants started picking them off, and soon the waters were filled with over 100 wounded and many more dead. Albert disregarded his mission to grab equipment and began pulling marines to safety. He took 47 in total, and oversaw the rescue of 30 more.
Years later, Albert would recollect the heroism displayed by his brothers in arms. In one instance, he found a small group of Marines who were unharmed but lost their weapons when trying to land. Albert offered to take them back to his boat, but they refused and asked to be given something to fight with. He returned later only to discover that they had fallen under enemy fire.