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Today is Memorial Day, a day of remembrance set aside to honor those who served–particularly those who gave their lives–in the defense of freedom and democracy. As we look back at the men and women who wore the country’s uniform, MovieFanFare would like to spotlight three popular TV performers who readers may may not be aware were also members of the military:
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Bea Arthur, World War II: Long before she was Maude Findlay, actress Bea Arthur was making history in 1943 as one of the first women to enlist with the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. Then a 21-year-old named Bernice Frankel, she completed boot camp and served at Marine headquarters in Washington as a clerk/typist. Later that year, she requested and received a transfer to the Motor Transport School at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. From 1944 to 1945 Bea/Bernice worked as a truck driver and dispatcher at the Marine Corps Air Station in nearby Cherry Point. The future Golden Girls co-star was honorably discharged in September of ’45 with the rank of staff sergeant.
Dan Blocker, Korean War: The good-natured “Hoss” Cartwright from Bonanza, Blocker was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1950, shortly after graduating from Sul Ross State Teachers College in his native Texas. He underwent basic training at Fort Polk in Louisiana, and received additional training in Sapporo, Japan. Blocker was assigned to the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division in Korea from December 1951 to August 1952 and attained the rank of sergeant. His unit came under enemy fire near Chorwon in what’s now North Korea and also saw action in outpost battles at Eerie, Old Baldy and Pork Chop Hill. Blocker was hospitalized for wounds suffered in combat from these campaigns. He accordingly received the Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal with two bronze campaign stars, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge for his service.
Dennis Franz, Vietnam War: A four-time Emmy winner for NYPD Blue, Franz, like Dan Blocker before him, graduated from college–in his case, Southern Illinois University, before being drafted and joining the Army. His 11-month deployment in Vietnam saw him serve in the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division, often coming under enemy fire. Franz later described his time in Southeast Asia as “a very traumatic, life-changing experience…I experienced death over there, and losing friends. I got as close to being shot as I care to.”
If you have recollections about a favorite movie or TV star who served in the military, we’d like to hear about it. Share your thoughts in the comments below.