Actor James Garner passed yesterday at the age of 86.
He joined the National Guard serving seven months in the United States. He then went to Korea for 14 months in the Regular Army, serving in the 5th Regimental Combat Team in the Korean War. He was wounded twice, first in the face and hand from shrapnel fire from a mortar round, and second on April 23, 1951 in the buttocks from friendly fire from U.S. fighter jets as he dove headfirst into a foxhole. Garner was awarded the Purple Heart in Korea for the first injury. For the second wound, he received a second Purple Heart (eligibility requirement: "As the result of friendly fire while actively engaging the enemy"), although Garner received the medal in 1983, 32 years after his injury. Garner was a self-described "scrounger" for his company in Korea, a role he later played in The Great Escape and The Americanization of Emily. Wiki
One of the good guys for certain. And a versatile actor, too; comedy, action, drama, movies, TV. He'll be missed.
ReplyDeleteHe was just passing through, on his way to Australia. Such easy charisma.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about the real scrounger work. I always enjoyed his work regardless the role.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about the real-life scrounging either....but he certainly made every movie/TV show that he was in, more enjoyable. I wish there were someone like that today.
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