What Happened To The Cast of The WW2 Series Combat! Will Shock You

[@War_And_Truth]

Who was your favorite character in Combat, and did you have a best episode?

[@shadowwolf9503]

Sarge and his Thompson were without a doubt my favorite characters. It's hard to pick a favorite episode. But I do like all the black and white episodes over the later colored ones. It just looked more realistic in B&W. .I recently found your channel. I'm really enjoying it and have subscribed. Your videos are very well done !

[@MrBBaron]

Combat was my favorite show growing up. I still watch some of the episodes on YT.

[@direwolf6234]

best episode .. 'the patrol' with guest star james cann ... real life examples of small unit tactics

[@johnjettfothergill4231]

@@shadowwolf9503 SO totally true for me also about Saunders and his Model of 1928 Thompson. Jeez, that was the coolest looking SMG ever. After that, any 1921 or 1928 Thompson that I ever later saw that did not have a Cutts Compensator attached, looked naked. And I pretty much did not even consider the M1 model and its derivatives as real Thompsons! I was a picky kid!!!

[@War_And_Truth]

@@MrBBaron So do I

[@MichaelLeBlanc-p4f]

'Combat' was a must watch for all boys and fathers back in my day.

[@KevinSmith-yh6tl]

Along with RAT PATROL!

[@MichaelLeBlanc-p4f]

@KevinSmith-yh6tl . . . and Silent Service Submarines.

[@gracepoint3]

And girls too!!! I loved combat!

[@buachaillfeadog2129]

Interesting; I was 11 when the show premiered. My father had been in the ETO, and he NEVER watched an episode with me.

[@robertmartinez4174]

@@MichaelLeBlanc-p4f yes, and my late father was a veteran of WW2 in the European theater.

[@johnmcmahon8513]

I was addicted to this weekly show and was the only 8 year old in WW2 gear, laying in the Cleveland snow for hours , waiting for a German patrol !

[@DanielvanLoonFDS]

Combat! was the show that instilled in me a lifelong interest in WW2 history with my emphasis on the ETO. I played army with my pals at the time the show aired in the mid sixties. There was an abandoned nunnery near my house on overgrown acres that provided the perfect stage for all of our battle scenarios complete with a gravel road with ditches on either side. Every car that traveled down that road became a German troop lorry, forcing us to hit the dirt and take cover in the ditches as we patrolled behind enemy lines.

[@plantfeeder6677]

Combat, 12 O'Clock High, the Rat Patrol. All must watch tv for all us kids back in the day. Vic Morrow was the best. RIP Sarge.

[@MrTony3255-is8gd]

I watch all these shows on H & I.

[@War_And_Truth]

I will be looking at The Rat Patrol early next year.

[@Bumper776]

I also liked "The Gallant Men" which took place in Italy but still fighting the Germans, they wore the 5th Army shoulder patch. I have not seen it in years.

[@appaloosa42]

@@Bumper776it only lasted 1 year. Opposite Combat in scheduling, lost out early.

[@mr.zondide2746]

@@Bumper776 a few years ago all the episodes were on You Tube. Luckily, I was able to watch them all before they were taken down. I think the pilot episode is still up. The producer said he could not get a cast of actors for that show like the cast of Combat! Which was one of the reasons it was short lived. The theme song also sucked

[@macmccollum6064]

That brings back some fond memories. COMBAT was my favorite show; I was 7 in 1962. Partially because of that show, I learned more about my Dad's time in combat in France, Belgium and Germany. He would always watch it with me. From that, he taught me what was fake Hollywood and actual film footage from World War II. He taught me about all the weapons, their characteristics and sounds to know if they were US or Kraut. I didn't know Kirby passed, he was living in Chappel Hill, North Carolina. Doc is from Center Ridge, Arkansas, but the last I heard he was living in Branson, Missouri. I still watch COMBAT occasionally; I have the entire DVD set. GREAT VIDEO.

[@shadowwolf9503]

I'm 60 years old. My grandpa served in a front line infantry unit in France in 1944. He went in right after D-Day. I have always been very interested in the military and weapons. Grandpa talked alot to me about the war and their weapons too. He loved his Garand M-1 and the BAR. He hated the M-1 carbine. He told me that his squad always carried nothing but armor piercing 30-06 rounds in their Garands and BAR's. He laughingly told me that the Germans that they captured bitched about them using that type of ammo. They said there wasn't any place they could hide from it. Grandpa was originally with the 38th Infantry Division. But when the 38th went to fight in the Pacific, Grandpa was sick and couldn't go with them. He always felt some guilt about not going with his friends. He was assigned to a different division that went to France. (My Dad ended up serving with the 38th Infantry Division in the late 50's- early 60's, I served with in the 38th Infantry Division and my youngest son did too). Grandpa ended up being severely injured when a sniper shot him in the head. His buddy in in squad took the sniper out with his BAR. They were stunned when they discovered that the sniper was a French civilian who was helping the Germans. Grandpa was in a coma for two weeks. When he woke up in the hospital, he asked the nurse what day it was. She told him, and he replied to her -"It's my birthday !". After healing up, Grandpa spent the rest of the war in England, guarding German POW's. The drs wanted to put a steel plate in his head, but there were none available. After the war, Grandpa bought a small farm and married my Grandma. He farmed and was a mechanic the rest of his life. And I remember him always wearing a metal hard hat. He had a soft spot in his skull from the wound and always protected it. Once in awhile he would get his dress greens out and so proudly show them to me as he told me about the war. And he was so proud of his Purple Heart. Grandpa did carry alot of hate for the Germans his whole life. But after all he told me over the years, I could understand why. We ended up moving right beside him and my Grandma on some land He gave us. Right down the road from us, a nice ole guy that served with the Navy CB's during the war, had a farm. I talked with him too from time to time. He had a Japanese Army helmet, a Samurai sword and his steel pot - complete with a rifle bullet hole ! The bullet went in and out, but luckily, just grazing his head. And lastly, the Preacher at my Grandma's and Grandma's church was a paratrooper during WW2. On his first jump, he was shot in the leg while still in the air. He said it hurt extra more because the bullet hit a bar of soap in his pocket before going into his leg. He was captured as soon as he hit the ground. He did escape 2 times. Both times he was shot in the legs. Because of that, he did have a bad limp. I was very fortunate to have been born at the time that I was able to talk with these WW2 veterans, as well as others too. They were indeed the GREATEST generation !

[@MichaelSisley-fw3xr]

I was a kid when that show was on TV. I remember playing Army with friends and we would talk about the show. I ended up joining the Army after high school and retired after 28yrs in the infantry, due to severe back problems and a series of surgeries.

[@Edward-ik2cp]

Merry Christmas Grunt and thanks for your service and sacrifice

[@625shapiro]

Me too. Lived that show. Vietnam war slowed that show down

[@brentsmock1044]

🫡🇺🇸

[@brentsmock1044]

This show had a big impact on me as I was 9 when it started and I am 70 now. My father was a sergeant and squad leader in the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War and we watched the show together. He NEVER talked about his own combat experience but I would later discover that he had been wounded on several missions receiving the Purple Heart and the Marine Corps medal of merit. He WAS SERGEANT SAUNDERS!🇺🇸

[@lobodawg74]

Watched Combat, Rat Patrol and 12oClock High.

[@chuckbisbee7520]

Those shows then were must-watch TV. Loved them all.

[@anselmdanker9519]

Thank you for covering this show and it's film stars. It has very fond memories for me. Used to watch it weekly and also the re runs 😊

[@War_And_Truth]

Yes judging by the comments it was hugely popular.

[@philiplafleur4504]

My Dad was a veteran of the European campaign. Assigned as a replacement to the 290 Infantry of the 75th division in December 1944, he fought in the battle of the bulge till the end of the war, earning a bronze star and purple heart. He particularly enjoyed Combat! because of its authenticity. He felt it best portrayed his experience in war. I was 6 when the show debuted and we watched it together faithfully till it went off the air. My Mom hated it because it reminded her of how anxious and worried she'd been when he was in service and she would not watch it with us. My older brothers and sisters similarly had less interest and it was often just him and me watching. As I got older, as often happens, my Dad and I frequently conflicted with one another. It was a time of great political and social upheaval and we had diametrically opposed beliefs and opinions. He passed away when I was only 17 and many of our differences remained unresolved. Consequently I have particularly fond memories of this program and that pleasant time together with my father. I enjoy your channel immensely. The content is second to none. Keep up the good work.

[@Bumper776]

I was 9 years old when "Combat!" first aired in 1962. My family knew that at 6pm on Tuesday, nothing else could be seen on TV. There were several episodes that I liked but "The Carousel" was one of my favorites. Back then there were plenty of Army Surplus Stores around and for under $5.00 we could completely outfit ourselves with original WW2 vintage field equipment, belts, canteens, mess kits, helmets, M-28 packs, etc. so we had some grand times playing Army and everyone wanted to be Sgt. Saunders.

[@davidgregg2778]

I was 7 when it first aired. Never missed an episode . One time when our TV broke, my parents asked our neighbors if l could watch it at their place.

[@KevinSmith-yh6tl]

@Bumper776 HAHAHA!! My friends and I, did the same thing. I still have some of my "gear." Thanks for bringing back those memories. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@shadowwolf9503]

Yeah, I have always really liked studying history and collecting military items. Back in the 70's- 80's the stuff very cheap. I bought 2 original US WW2 steel pots, with liners, for $5 each. And I picked up an original German K98 bayonet for $5 too. Just crazy !

[@KevinSmith-yh6tl]

@@shadowwolf9503 Yep, things were cheap back then. Thanks to Saving Private Ryan and BOB, jacking up the prices, you can't find anything reasonably priced anymore.

[@direwolf6234]

mattel had a replica of a thompson that shot a 'magazine. of caps on automatic ....

[@xavcarmic0686]

I loved Combat. My favourite show during the mid to late 60s in Australia.

[@lichang-l3m]

I've had such a sad memory about this film. I watched it since I was at elementary school. Every Friday night at 9pm, my dad would have a glass of wine, turned on the TV, we'd watch it together and enjoyed it every time, until 1969. Dad passed away that year, and since then, I could only watch it all by myself. I miss him, I miss the time we sit side by side watching this film.

[@JackFlemingFan1]

Thank you for posting your excellent video! When Combat! came out on DVD I was excited beyond belief! I ended up buying the whole DVD series and have watched them numerous times.

[@War_And_Truth]

Thank you.

[@PaxAlotin]

I grew up watching that series. As a kid I found it thrilling to sit through each black & white episode. My father however, found it hard to watch various episodes. See - my father was a WW2 soldier - so for him - some episodes brought back bad memories. I was too young to understand his reaction - but eventually, I came to understand how 'Combat' - might have effected him. All he wanted was to put the war behind him.

[@earlhester825]

I was 13 when combat first aired. Never missed an episode. That show helped get me to join the army in 1967. It upset me when Vic morrow was killed.

[@johnc2438]

Ditto! I was 13, too, when the show began. Didn't miss an episode. Joined the Navy in 1968 and served 18 months in-country in Vietnam.

[@War_And_Truth]

Total waste of three lives.

[@markthompson4885]

I believe I joined the ARMY too because I loved watching this show. I was only 6 when the show started.

[@earlhester825]

@@War_And_Truth your nuts!

[@nickpaine]

I regularly watched Combat. One of my favorite shows back in the '60s. Seemed authentic to me and others, great drama and action.

[@War_And_Truth]

I think it's a wonderful series still to this day. Tour of Duty is my other favorite.

[@MARYREED-nh7gb]

Cage was called Cage due to being Cajun from our Louisiana. The English "exported" the Canadian French and that it where they ended up. MAJOR contributors to American culture in so many ways considering how small in actual numbers they are. And while they do speak French, most French would look down their noses at them, just as they do with the Canadian French. (Well, just as they to do just about all of us, when you think about it.) Love this video!

[@thomassouliere7613]

I should read the comments before posting mine 😄

[@MARYREED-nh7gb]

@@thomassouliere7613 We were probably writing them at the same time. I thought the actor was top notch, didn't you? Merry Christmas.

[@BurtSampson]

I'm "only" 40, but I still grew up on this show. I still even whistle the theme song quite frequently. Learning Rick Jason's fate is really sad.

[@richardroach7127]

While growing up, I lived in New Brunswick near the Maine border, and we were fortunate to receive one American channel that fortunately carried Combat. Watched the reruns with my son during the 90s. Our all-time favorite.

[@Braveheartman1]

We watched the show with my father on our black and white TV, who was a Marine who served in Korea. It’s great that the cast was mostly real war veterans, who also went through tough “boot camp” training again before the filming of the series.

[@LeeWilver-wl4pp]

Watched it with my late Dad, a WWII Vet and POW.

[@phillpearson7531]

As an eleven year old, this was my absolute favorite show at the time.

[@jacquesstrapp3219]

Thanks for bringing back some good memories.

[@1boortzfan]

I used to watch COMBAT every week when I was in the first grade. The day afterwards we would always talk about what happened the night before.

[@user-iv7pl2uo7q]

My brother & I loved the show as 8 & 10 year olds. Still have a Mattel Thompson replica modeled on one used by Saunders & a Combat board game. And, thanks for explaining the camo cover on Morrow's helmet.

[@fatlarry1184]

As a 10 year old I used to beg my father (WWII vet) to let me watch the show even though it was a school night. Fostered a love for military history that I still enjoy. Loved the size and jokes around Little John.

[@ewmhop]

AS A KID WHEN THIS SHOW STARTED,WE WATCH IT ALONG WITH 12'O CLOCK HIGH AND THE GALLANT MEN.GOOD TIME BACK THEM,TO ME IT WAS A TV VERSION OF SGT.ROCK AND EASY COMPANY.

[@gregoryforte8876]

That was one of my favorite TV Shows when I was 8 years old.

[@War_And_Truth]

Great show for kids as it wasn't gory.

[@charlestuozzolo7283]

Another interesting video. Hanley was my favorite. Great resolving the cammy helmet cover on Saunders. I was 7 also when it came out. Would talk to my Dad who served with the Army in the Pacific. Always a discussion how they never ran out of ammo and no tracers. great memories. Doughboy with Eddie Albert was my favorite episode!

[@slaughterhouse5585]

The Germans always left their cover when in a firefight in this show. Dumb.

[@stevebyrne372]

I was born in 1960. These shows penetrated my psyche/mind as an infant. I watched Combat! when it began in Australia, probably 1963. Three most influential movies/ TV shows and characters in my life.... Bataan: Sgt Bill Dane, U.S 32nd Infantry; Robert Taylor ... 300 Spartans: Leonidas; Richard Egan ... Combat! : Sgt Saunders; Vic Morrow !! .. My mindset is a combination of all three. Great teachers. These attitudes became part of my personality

[@War_And_Truth]

Its wonderful we can fall back on these movies and series. They never get old.

[@mr.zondide2746]

You left out Color Sergeant Bourne and also sergeant Walowicz from “Battleground”

[@esquad5406]

I loved Combat when I was a kid. I would watch it at my grandmother's house Next door. Dad was into westerns and there was one in the same time slot. Now I watch it on the H&I on Saturday night at ten to midnight. When I'm not out of town doing a world war two reenactments. I have a steel pot with a parachute camo cover and a Thompson.

[@War_And_Truth]

That's a great tribute.

[@BGBG617]

When the show was on reruns late night, I used to sneak down as a kid to watch it with my dad who got home @ 11 pm from work. He worked long hours so, it was a real treat. When it was over, he’d say, “ok now get to bed before your mother sees you.”

[@War_And_Truth]

Haha nice story. I used to watch a war film with my dad every weekend.

[@thomassouliere7613]

PFC Paul "Caje" LeMay was not a Frenchman. He was Cajun from Louisiana.

[@War_And_Truth]

When I was a kid I thought he was French as being a 10 year old Australian I had no idea there were French speaking people in Canada or the states.

[@paulkirkland3263]

I watched it as a boy here in the UK. My weekly stay-up-late treat.

[@johnphillips1858]

I watched this with my dad and brother. It was a very special and accurate portrayal of the truth of WW2.

[@maxpower6765]

It was a great series. Very realistic As a young lad it was one of my favorites Cheers 🤙🏼

[@War_And_Truth]

Thanks mate.

[@davidkeeton6716]

I have been watching Combat since 1965, so that would be since 4 1/2 years old. I never knew Saunders first name was Richard until this video. Thanks.

[@War_And_Truth]

My pleasure.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Man, these last few videos are definitely bringing fond memories growing up!

[@jayrosen6663]

I still watch Combat on Saturday evenings, on Heroes, and Icons.

[@OVERHERE-OVERHERE]

Watching Combat when I was a little boy in the 60s, playing army with my friends, the Vietnam war on TV The older boys on the Block being drafted and going to Vietnam ,My grandfather, my father and all five uncles being veterans, growing up I expected to go to Vietnam, I was fortunate enough not to have been of age to go to Vietnam, but I did enlist in the United States Air Force in 1980, for me seemed natural . I have no regrets US Air Force veteran. God bless America.🇺🇸🫡 Still watch reruns of combat on Saturday night on H&I TV channel

[@Who-ry8of]

Great show that still shows up on TV.

[@War_And_Truth]

It never gets old. I switch between Combat and Tour of Duty.

[@ridebaja1k]

My wife knew Rick Jason when lived in Moorpark California, it was a sad day when took his life. We still have his book that he gave her.

[@keithdaniels5918]

Saunders went the whole series and never made one mag change on his thompson . I never even remember him carrying a mag pouch.

[@slaughterhouse5585]

I think I saw him change mags once or twice. But I see your point. Also, he would throw his empty mag away. 😂

[@War_And_Truth]

I will watch for that in every episode now lol

[@TheWalterKurtz]

I was born in '59 so don't remember the first 2-3 seasons in first run. Pops and I never missed it. He'd been in the army in ww2 and always grumbled that Kirby didn't handle the BAR properly. Mom was in love with doc and was terrified he'd get killed off. As an adult I love watching it because every episode is a morality play. Much more worthwhile programming than what is produced now.

[@War_And_Truth]

I totally agree. The series is on youtube by the way.

[@TheWalterKurtz]

@War_And_Truth; Yup, and free.

[@gooddog2001]

Sanders was my favorite character. And my favorite episode was THE LOSERS. And Bill Bixby was my favorite guest star. I was friends with Bill Bixby, and I was saddened when he passed away.

[@skipsmoyer4574]

Watched them all on KZbin a few years ago, was a favorite as a kid.

[@mr.zondide2746]

For some strange reason, I never watched this in the 1960s. Was able to finally buy the DVDs in 2004. This show was a masterpiece, with a great cast and theme music. Very few shows ever had guest stars as good as this one. My favorite was Nick Adams. “I’m a southbound guy in a northbound world.”

[@arthurshingler2025]

It's STILL MY day too...! Every Saturday night on HNI ! I thought they were on 6 seasons??? I grew up watching it in the 60s.... I try not to miss an episode today.

[@johnjettfothergill4231]

This was my favorite show during its first 2-3 seasons and Vic Morrow as Sargent Saunders was my boyhood hero. As the announcer said, I too seemed to remember that you could always tell who that week's squad casualties were going to be as it was almost always the non-regular squad member guest stars. Though I do remember this not being largely born out when after a decades long absence from watching the show, then again seeing it much later as an adult. Odd...

[@War_And_Truth]

This and Tour of Duty are the best war series ever made.

[@ryanvictoria6206]

Still have the whole 5 seasons in USB and DVD. My earliest and fondest memories as a kid in the 70s was watching reruns of Combat! with my Dad on Saturday evenings. We never missed an episode. A bit different watching it today as an adult. You get to notice certain things like the German Tanks were really modern 1960s U.S. tanks,and the German uniforms were still the one size fits all 1939 version with jackboots. Both Americans and Germans getting shot without a trace of blood. The nitty gritty things you didn't notice as a kid. I still watch it today for the story. Every episode has its own set of moral challenges that people make in but not necessarily in wartime. Plus the acting is superb.👍 will be watching another episode tonight. Kudos to Sgt. Saunders. With all the wounds he received in 5 seasons he should have a trunk full of Purple Hearts by now.😀

[@War_And_Truth]

Its very much like Tour of Duty for me. Just great stories and characters.

[@ryanvictoria6206]

@War_And_Truth yeah! T.OD. and China Beach were two of my favorite TV Series back in the early 90s.👍

[@NeoDragonKnight]

I love this show, started watching it around 1999-2002 on History TV in Canada. The acting was great, and so many of the stories were just amazing, like hills are for heroes, what are the bugles playing for, The Pillbox, Counterpunch and on and on. The guest stars they got year in and year out was just unheard of, getting such huge stars who considered it an honor to be on the show was just stellar. I was always heart broken learning of how both the shows stars had sad endings. Not sure, but is there any info on the 2 regulars missing from your video, ie. First Doc from the first season and McCall From the last season?

[@War_And_Truth]

It certainly was a world wide hit. Was big in Australia too.

[@serfdogg]

Sure made me miss my Dad. He would have loved this.

[@markpaul-ym5wg]

Great video.

[@War_And_Truth]

Cheers

[@alanphelan-l6d]

I remember Piere Jalbert character as being a cajun from Louisiana. In the first episode he had a buddy, another cajun who was killed on d day.

[@paulj.plaster1465]

You are correct on that. I remember that episode too. I was going to make the same statement you did, but came across yours.

[@War_And_Truth]

Yes the D-Day episode was further on in the series from memory.

[@paulj.plaster1465]

@War_And_Truth Yes it was, your memory is correct. It was called "A Day In June". 2nd Lt Hanley was only a Sergeant at the time in the episode, and he was giving Sgt Saunders a hard time as they were both vying for the same English woman. He had Sergeant Saunders confined to barracks....so that HE could meet up with her instead. Hanley didn't get promoted to a 2nd Lt till later on after D-Day.

[@wyattrierson3967]

The Odyssey is one of my favorite episodes vic was an amazing actor

[@jandesmet8782]

I love that show!! A bit thrown off by the timeline and some of the German vihicles, but still great show!

[@Paladin1873]

One correction here, Pierre Jalbert played a Cajun, not a Canadian. This is why his character's nickname was Caje. In real life he had been the 1948 Captain of Canada's Olympic Ski Team, but a broken leg prevented him from competing in the Olympics. His older brother, René Marc Jalbert, was a very impressive fellow. He served in the Canadian Army in WWII and Korea before retiring from active service as a major. He later became the sergeant-at-arms for the National Assembly of Quebec where, at great risk to his own life, he coolly and peacefully ended a violent standoff by a deranged soldier armed with a SMG. For this action he was awarded the Cross of Valour, Canada's highest civilian award for bravery.

[@pat0343]

Combat started out good, but I think they really got away from the realism. Mags in pockets, m1 clips in pockets, empty cartridge belts, the bar man flanking positions instead of base of fire, it got all too 1960’s. Germans were inept drones. Just seemed like it was thrown together in the last year or two that it ran. Still love it

[@War_And_Truth]

Earliest seasons are always the best. Tour of Duty was the same.

[@Freedomfred939]

Agree, the show started to get unreal towards the end....a sign of the upcoming hippi generation perhaps.

[@kenclements3001]

As a kid I never missed an episode and now I can watch Combat on KZbin and enjoy it as an adult. I had one question though when watching it back in the 60’s. Why did the Germans always stand up during a firefight and get shot? Was that why they lost the war?

[@bobdickerson3434]

I never missed an episode.

[@billfraser9731]

They used slang that was popular in that era. One term that I never heard prior to the show was “ That tears it”. Definition of 'tear it' to be that which brings about final failure, defeat, frustration, loss of patience, etc. that tears it!

[@mr.zondide2746]

It’s a lead pipe cinch! (Never knew what that meant) the whole nine yards! I’ll take some java.

[@jason60chev]

In 5 years, they never got out of France!

[@gutshotgriz3936]

A little trivia for you…many scenes on Combat were filmed at the property of the Korbel Winery and Vineyard in northern California. The studios and Korbel worked out a deal whereby the studio could film there for free provided that when they filmed explosions, they used real dynamite to blow out tree stumps to clear the ground for the vineyard. So when you see the dirt and debris falling on the actors, it’s from real explosions.

[@gooddog2001]

I loved the TV show COMBAT it was one of my favorite shows of all time. Bill Bixby was in the episode THE LOSERS, he played a thief named Kline. I loved the scene where Sanders let's Lenord avoid the upcoming fire fight. And Kline says "if Lenord is out so am I." Sanders hits him with his weapon and tells him "You're going to that bridge." Kline responds, "How do you know I won't bug out like Lenord." Sanders says "He can't help being what he is. But I figure that if your cornered you'll fight like a rat just to same your own hide!" And he did. Sanders got that one right.

[@markadkins9290]

Loved watching combat

[@ronherrera8327]

My dad really liked and watched the show. He was a Battan POW in World War II.

[@lancomedic]

One of my favorite shows growing up. I still have my Mattel Sgt. Saunders Tommy Gun. I didn’t Know that Altman Flew B-24s. I knew him for M.A.S.H. I also did not know about the delaminating rotors on the Huey. I have seen people blame the director for telling the pilot to keep going lower and the visibility got to where he could not see how low he was. You just did hogans heroes and now Combat so maybe you can do one on Claudine Longet. She was in every military TV show we watched back then.

[@ewmhop]

SHE WAS A GREAT SKI SHOOTER I HEAR.HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS

[@lancomedic]

@@ewmhop Femme fatal

[@davidkeeton6716]

I love the picture at the end. Jack "Kirby" Hogan wearing the camouflaged helmet as Morrow must have already been killed. Sarge and Kirby were my 2 favorite characters but I loved them all.

[@peterhoulis1184]

Watched it as a kid back in the day and was watching it as im writing this comment

[@War_And_Truth]

I have just started watching it again from season 1 as its been many years.

[@billmalec]

Vic Morrow was THE movie or TV show soldier!

[@stevenhall2408]

Was my favorite show growing up in the 60s. Lived close enough to the old Virginia Dare winery ruins in Rancho Cucamonga to bike there and pick up expended blank casings from when they filmed Combat! and other shows, it really looked like a bombed out French winery! My buddy in ROTC was also a fan and we would use "check mate" "king 2" and "white rook" as call signs during military exercises.

[@iantobanter9546]

Combat, Rat Patrol, Victor and Battle Illustrated comics, Airfix etc. kits. Great times.

[@War_And_Truth]

Certainly beats anything on offer these days.

[@Zona-dw9rp]

Filmed at Griffith Park in Las Angelas.

[@juanpena7532]

Watched combat every week I was 9 then and I still enjoy it on Saturday nights I still remember when I heard about the making of the Twilight Zone.

[@richardmardis2492]

My French/Canadian uncles fought all over WW2. …from Leyte Gulf to the Battle of the Bulge- I’m the first generation not to speak French 😕

[@War_And_Truth]

Always time to learn :P

[@svbarr]

My single divorced Mom had a 63 VW bug. That became a "Sherman Tank" and me and my 7-10 year old buddy neighbors and I Kind of turned that bug into a mobile unit of the "Combat" cast. Since it was my Mom's car I usually got to use the faux Tommie gun and became "Sarge". We just took the scripts from the show and added a tank!! Ah memories...

[@randybender970]

I was 9 years old in 1962 and had a school friend named Peter Bock that had immigrated from Germany the year before . I remember asking if he watched Combat, to which he stated yes. My follow up question was could he understand what the German soldiers were saying on the show. He told that mostly he couldn’t make out the words. As I got older I always wondered if the series had bothered him as he may have lost relatives during the conflict. As I watched I always knew the new guy would be the one that got killed.

[@lorinkramer5805]

For almost 60 years, I always wondered, why does Vic Morrow, and only him, have a USMC camo cover on his helmet-he’s not a Marine. You solved the mystery; it’s a piece of camo parachute. Thank you! Someday, I can meet my Maker with that question off my mind! Whew!!

[@cedric6448]

Some Army units in Europe not only wore camo covers on their helmets, but also wore camo fatigues. The pattern was not the same as the USMC pattern. Specialized combat engineer units and armored cavalry recon units wore camo at least initially. Eventually they fell out of favor because they didn't want to be confused with Waffen SS soldiers who wore camo even though the pattern was very different. Some items were picked up by other units but wearing them was an individual choice. My uncle who was an Army infantryman wore the helmet camo cover but not the shirt or trousers. So you'd see squads like on Combat where some wore them but others didn't.

[@billbradford888]

Kirby and the BAR my favorite

[@KevinSmith-yh6tl]

Vic Morrow always complained about the weight of his M-1 helmet and liner during filming. So the producer's allowed him to only wear the liner. To not make it too obvious, they added the cammo net to it.

[@direwolf6234]

and he rarely even carried a canteen or an ammo belt for the magazines ...

[@KevinSmith-yh6tl]

@direwolf6234 Exactly! 👍

[@War_And_Truth]

Thanks Kevin that's great trivia.

[@charlesgantz5865]

I read somewhere that many soldiers in Vietnam used COMBAT to learn how to do urban warfare.

[@slaughterhouse5585]

I simply cannot believe that. 🙄

[@partygrove5321]

Loved Combat! and the sarge. His Tommy gun was the best.

[@War_And_Truth]

He loved that Thompson.

[@firehammer7585]

If you see the movie 'Once upon a time in Hollywood' you will see on the bus bench an advertisement of 'Combat' for a local television station.

[@luckent47]

every army grunt i served with knew the theme song and whenever we were screwed would start making its noises as a joke and get us all laughing.

[@blank557]

One of the more realistic portrayals of WW2, in regard of revealing men under stress in combat. I never heard much preaching about fighting for country, baseball, or Mom's apple pie. Just "we have a job to do, and let's get it done and get home alive in one piece" My favorite was the two- part episode, "The Hill", directed by Morrow himself. His squad had to take out two German bunkers, and they were taking heavy casualties, which brought up questions by the men if the objective was worth it.

[@donaldclowes5644]

Not a parachute cover, was a gift from his brother a marine in the Pacific

[@AllenBremner]

Had friend that spoke German and would have him come over and tell us what the actors on the German side were saying and was a little surprised that they were really saying things that were being shown. Like go around the and flank them on the left. Thanks for the memory.

[@buddyvilla7393]

Early in his career Vic Morrow co- starred with Glen Ford and Sidney Poitier in Richard Brooks seminal film “ Blackboard Jungle “-1955. Vic was so great in the role that it typecast him as a heavy until the role of Chip Saunders Another film was”Diary of A Bad Man” with James Cagney. Combat was my favorite show as a little boy in the 1960 s. I had my Army helmet and “Tommy gun”. Vic also co- starred with Tatum O’Neal and Walter Matthau in the original and superior version of “The Bad News Bears”. As a native of San Diego,California every state law was violated on the set of Twilight Zone The Movie, it was illegal for children to work past 1000PM on a film or TV set, also any stunts were always done by small people or just dummies. John Landis was a coked out maniacal Director who should have done jail time as should have the stunt coordinator and special effects supervisor. As you noted all the defendants were acquitted , but Vics children and the parents of the children killed won their civil cases against Landis and the Producers. Vic also directed including”AMan Called Sledge” with James Garner. I could write volumes about Shecky Green, living to 97 despite the drug and alcohol problems. Despite the beating from Sinatras thugs, Frank cast him in the PI film “Tony Rome” about 1967. Despite being directly responsible for Vics death John Landis had the audacity to show up at Vics funeral and actually speak. Old friends like Dick Peabody were incensed and incredulous that Landis was at the funeral. Gloria Allred was the prosecutor on the case and blew it. But laws were changed in the state of California after the tragedy.Even in episodes of “Charlie’s Angels “ Vic stood out. I actually watched “ Angels in Las Vegas “ a few months ago. It’s worth a watch just to see Vic and Dean Martin.

[@War_And_Truth]

Thanks for your comment, some great info there.

[@appaloosa42]

Pierre Jalbert was a skier and would have gone to the winter olympics for Canada except for a broken leg. He was featured in a winter episode skiing.

[@scottfisher352]

I loved that show as a kid

[@DJmondavi]

I had the Combat play-set as a kid…. Anyone know where I can pick one up..?

[@gregwright392]

My favorite!

[@War_And_Truth]

Same here.

[@clydewilson1141]

I loved that show.

[@War_And_Truth]

Me too.

[@samiam619]

After watching this beloved show, all I’ve ever wanted was a Thompson. Oh, you can buy a “new” one, but the barrel is too long. Gotta win the Lottery first.

[@samiam619]

P.S. every now and then, especially during the first couple seasons, which you can watch on YT, the Props Dept. would come up with a rare German rifle. I think it was a G43 semi auto…

[@cliftonmoran1089]

Could not wait to watch Combat each week. Not long ago I was watching a episode - I think it was from the last season that had Saunders and a couple of other regulars sitting in a jeep. Through the trees you can see a busy highway with modern cars going by - just had to laugh 😂

[@War_And_Truth]

That is like Tora Tora Tora, you can see modern cars driving around the roads in the distance.

[@CZ49]

Combat is broadcast on "Antenna TV". Kentuckiana channel WNB 21. Along with Rat Patrol and 12 O'Clock High

[@robertmartinez4174]

that Combat ! thumbnail looks like an old boardgame from the 1960's. almost every television series back then had a boardgame & lunch pale .

[@War_And_Truth]

That's exactly where it is from.

[@kevinray5636]

I remember the series well.

[@NOC1TIME]

We played army. We each claimed one of the guys. We were 8 and 10yrs old. They had a combat set plastic tent and all.