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Celebrating some of MeTV's Purple Heart recipients
These household names had more than one decorated career.
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Sunday, August 7 is Purple Heart Day, a holiday created to recognize and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice or were wounded while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
You may not know it, but several Hollywood names have also served their country, whether they were drafted into service or put their career aspirations on hold for a bigger cause.
For Purple Heart Day, we wanted to celebrate some of MeTV's recipients of the distinguished award, and say thank you to all who have served.
Though every Purple Heart recipient deserves recognition, below are some well-known names in the entertainment realm that have served, along with a quick rundown of what their time in the service looked like.
Did you know these stars, both in front of the camera and behind it, had decorated military careers?
1. Dan Blocker - Bonanza
Eight years before he cemented himself as one of the most recognizable characters in Western history as Hoss Cartwright, Dan Blocker was drafted into the Korean War. He was drafted into the 45th Infantry Division and was in active combat by 1951. During his 209 days with the Division, Blocker was injured while "coming to the rescue of other soldiers," according to military.com. His infantry Regiment, the 179th, was taken off front lines in 1952. Blocker was able to get the treatment he needed for his injuries, going home with a Purple Heart.
Image Credit: The Everett Collection
2. James Arness - Gunsmoke
Before appearing in all 635 episodes of Gunsmoke, one of the longest-running prime time television series of all-time, James Arness left World War II with a Purple Heart Award. Prior to becoming Marshall Matt Dillon, Arness was severely injured in the Battle of Anzio according to Medals of America. The Purple Heart Award wasn't the only military honor Arness received prior to Western stardom, as he collected a Bronze Star Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Image Credit: The Everett Collection
3. James Garner - Maverick
James Garner was no stranger to service. Before becoming Bret Maverick in Maverick, Garner served in the National Guard for seven months. After joining the Army, Garner was in the Korean War for 14 months, serving with the 5th Regimental Combat Team according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Facebook page. After being wounded on multiple occasions, Garner was awarded the Purple Heart twice. After the war, his successful acting career was born.
4. Rod Serling - The Twilight Zone
Rod Serling served in World War II before he created one of the top sci-fi shows of the 1950s, The Twilight Zone. According to Military.com, Serling enlisted after graduating high school. His unit, the 11th Airborne Division, entered the front lines in 1944. He was transferred after his squad leader said "Serling didn't have the wits or aggressiveness required for combat" the article states. Despite the harsh words, Serling received a Purple Heart with his discharge in 1946 after being wounded twice. After his injuries and prior to his discharge, Serling "ran into the shellfire to rescue a performer," with his new unit. Next to his Purple Heart Award was a Bronze Star and Philippine Liberation Medal.
5. Russell Johnson - Gilligan's Island
Before using his resourcefulness to create gadgets for the castaways as The Professor on Gilligan's Island, Russell Johnson earned a Purple Heart Award for his time served in World War II. During his service, "Johnson flew 44 combat missions as a bombardier," according to Parade. He was no stranger to combat in the skies, as his plane was shot down in 1945, resulting in broken ankles and a discharge with a Purple Heart Award. His highly-decorated Military career included the Air Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. He was discharged with a First Lieutenant rank.
Image Credit: The Everett Collection
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40 Comments
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the type of girls that any
man would be proud to
Introduce to their mom.
The Mosquitoes on GI.
Right Actor when he cast
Russell Johnson as Professor
Roy Hinkley on Gilligan's Island.
John Gabriel played the Professor on the pilot episode of Gilligan's Island which
Superstation TBS previously
Channel 17 WTBS in Atlanta.
Gilligan's Island
Bob Denver
Alan Hale Jr
Jim Backus
Natalie Schafer
Russell Johnson
Dawn Wells
My granddad served in WWII, step-dad in Korea, my brother in Kuwait, cousins, uncles and friends have served.
They are my heroes.
I found my grandfather's cousins on a memorial to Metis veterans last year. Since my grandfather, his brothers, and another set of cousins all went over during WWI, they too can fit on the memorial. My grandfather was the first born in Canada
The Métis (/meɪˈtiː(s)/; French: [metis]) refers to a group of Indigenous peoples who inhabit Canada's three Prairie Provinces, as well as parts of Quebec, Maritime provinces, Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the Northern United States.[1][2][3] They have a shared history and culture and are of mixed European (primarily French) and Indigenous ancestry which became a distinct group through ethnogenesis by the mid-18th century,[4] during the fur trade era.[5]
Aside from a Purple Heart, his decorations included the Silver Star for gallantry in combat, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Service Ribbon, the European/African/Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with three Battle Stars, one Overseas Service Bar, one Service Stripe, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.
O tempora, o mores!
who served, as well as the thousands of others not as famous who also served...🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
That was from the war; Arness wound up with one leg a few inches shorter than other.
Arness developed a way of walking that covered it up most of the time.
Jim Arness downplayed his war service, for the most part; he was known to joke about his walk sometimes, to put people at ease.
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Acknowledgement and appreciation to all (not just actors) for their service and sacrifices for our country.
Dan Blocker James Garner and James Arness for their military service to the United States and I am happy that they received
The Purple Heart!!