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 !
@@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!!!
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.
@@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
Vic Morrow was so perfect for the role of Sgt Saunders that Hollywood was never able to make a movie version of “Combat!” There is simply no actor who could replace him.
Born in 1955, I don't believe I missed a single episode of Combat. In 1982, I lived in Canyon Country, California; it was a summer night and I had my bedroom windows open; I think it was around midnight that I heard a bunch of emergency vehicles go by, lights flashing and sirens blaring. The next morning, I learned that Vic Morrow and two child actors had been in a fatal accident at Indian Dunes, just miles from my home. Truly a sad ending for one of my childhood heroes...
I remember that well, I was in school in Westwood at the time. Heard about it the next day on the radio. Indian Dunes was a great MX track, a lot of history there too.
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.
I have a similar story. I grew up in Arlington, TX in the 60's and one of my best friends dad was a WWII vet. He was wounded by shrapnel on D-Day and always had a limp. He was also the keeper of the armory for the local VFW Post. Anyway, we were about 10 years old and he would let us play "war" in his front yard with real WWI Springfields or Enfields, I don't know which, but they were bolt action rifles. We had great fun and I remember cars slowing and stopping on the street to look at us. This would never happen today. I still have a WWII bayonet and medal that he gave me. He was from the greatest generation. He was a very kind and friendly man.
We had a "pill box"... a...storm drain box, and better yet, a storm tunnel underneath what is now 395 in Arlington, Virginia, in the shadow of the Pentagon.....what a great time to be a kid....boomers rock!
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.
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 !
Same age as you, many WWII vets in the family and their associates came around when I was a kid. We are fortunate to have had such memories passed down to us.
My dad sometimes spoke of WW2 , one thing I remember , was him talking about a weapon called a screaming Mimi , and how it was a fearsome and scary noise it made
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.
My father Georg Fenady was one of the directors as well as a associate producer on "Combat" Have many great memories being on the set. The cast and crew were very kind to me. I got to handle many of the weapons as well as climb on tanks, half tracks,deuce and a half's,and motorcycles! Never could get those German motorcycles started. But I tried like heck! Maybe if I was older and bigger! As I was only five in 1962. RIP to all the "Combat" cast and crew! Especially my dad Georg! Lost him in 2008. Love ya Sport till we meet again! I later worked with Pierre as we both were film editors back in the 80's.Saw him last in 2008 at my Dad's funeral. Miss him he was a good friend and co-worker! Thanks for letting me share and keep on watching "Combat" on H and I "Heroes and Icon channel on Saturday nights at 10:00pm to 12:00am west coast time two shows back to back as well as "Rat Patrol" after!
@@sheldonrobertson8670 Thanks brother "Cage" Was the bad dude and Kirby! Wish I would have them in a combat situation back in the day! They always knew how to flank the enemy and get the job done! Got wounded every other episode and still stood strong!! We just lost Jack a few months ago! Bad a-- BAR guy! Doc is still alive Use to go to Jacks house way back then and take a swim at his house! He was married to a "Playboy" playmate back then. Bob Barkers house! WE still have some of the furniture we bought from Jack After the divorce! If you have time watch "Hills are for Heros " directed by Vic Morrow it was a great
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.
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!🇺🇸
28 years in the Infantry will do that to you. Although Michelle I always felt sorry for Saunders. Despite being a sergeant already in 42 in North Africa and 43 in Italy and then on D-Day poor guy just couldn't make staff... even though then as now staff sergeants were generally infantry squad leaders.
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.
@@rickden8362 My Dad did not discuss specifics. He also deflected any questions I asked. After he passed away I read two long letters he wrote my Mom about what he had experienced. One passage I particularly remember described what happened in the Battle of the Bulge. His company had 200 men on December 16. When the battle finally ended 35 days later he said only 17 were left able to still fight. The rest were killed, wounded or missing. It was the coldest winter Europe had seen in decades and he wrote that more men were incapacitated or killed by the cold than the fighting. They'd routinely find men frozen to death or with their hands or feet frozen after taking a break or on the rare instances they got to sleep through the night. He said it was a constant repetition of march, fight, wait, march, fight and then wait again.
I did the same thing, except there was never any snow. I had a full size replica M1 when I was a little kid. Not sure you would get away with running around with it in the neighborhood these days.
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.
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!
My favorite show as a little boy. My father’s grandparent’s spoke German, and he could translate what the Germans were saying. I thought his bilingualism was so cool that I majored in German, went to brewing classes in Germany, and now by own a German-style brewery in Kansas City.
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.
Jason Cafrey here! had several uncredited roles in the first season, all the guys were mighty swell and I still have a signed poster from the original cast, same with Rat Patrol, Big Valley, Bewitched and F Troop, was also in a short lived ABC show called “Roll Out” based on the Red Ball Express, became disillusioned with film industry after the Morrow incident, many thanks for the video.
My dad was captured at Anzio in Italy, a pow for 15 months ... Our fathers were the greatest generation , God bless them all ....the American combat veterans of WW2 , and ww1
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.
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 !
@@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.
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.
@@user-iv7pl2uo7q the Thompson used by Vic Morrow on the show was an primal 1921 15,000 were made and commercially unsuccessful.the 21 had the bolt on the top. The wwii version had the bolt on the side. About 400,000 were produced as best I can recollect. I was fascinated by the Thompson and had a dick Tracy got Tommy gun as a 5 year old. Still have it. Managed to purchase several 1921s in 1980s very reasonably, . They are now costing about 20x those prices.
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.
Combat was clearly my most favorite series. In fact, it was the only one I really watched. It was just incredible. Gave me an idea what my father went through while he was in the service.
When Combat first aired, I was 13. I remember it coming on Tuesday night and I was right there, in front of the TV. And I watched every episode and not having a color TV, the last season was still B&W. I even bought the series in DVD. But I don’t remember my dad saying much about it, maybe because he was a Marine in WW2 in the Pacific, which he never talked about.
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.
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.
I have good memoies of watching Combat with my dad who was a staff Sgt. in the 63 div. during WWII. He always said it was the most realistic except for the lack of music, smell of death and that they walked to close to one another. Otherer wise it was close to the real thing. Thank you for the great retrospective on this great series.😁
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.
I've read that Rick Jason said the whole Cast had to go through 2 weeks of Hell, (Basic Training) . Live ammo over their heads, etc. To get into shape for the show. He said it was WORSE then when he went through it when he was in the Service.
Im70 ,and I watched combat religiously. Kirby ,cage ,little John and sgt. Saunders , it was a different world and time .everybody's father's were combat veterans from WW2 , my dad was in the 5th army , 45th "Thunderbird" division , he was in 3 Beach assaults in Italy , Sicily , Salerno , and was wounded and captured at Anzio , he was a prisoner 15 mo. And escaped. I miss the stability of my youth ,that world....and the TV shows like combat , Red Skelton hour , saw the Beatles first on the Ed Sullivan show , the Milton Burl show , Rowan and Martins "laugh In" ...the 60s best music , best clothes, best drugs, best cars. I miss it all
I was eight years old when this came on TV and never missed an episode and still watch it occasionally as it as it is on H&I channel 385 AT&T satellite tv on Saturday Night at 10 pm and 11pm (2 episodes ) along with other favorites Rat Patrol and 12 O'clock High and other war series. These guys were my heros when I was a kid.
I watched Combat every week growing up. I have the whole series on DVD today. In one of the early episodes, they state that Cage (Pierre Jalbert) is French Cajun from Louisiana. That's why he speaks French. I worked in South Louisiana for almost a year, and the Cajuns I knew said that what they speak isn't the same French spoken in France. I always saw myself as Sgt Saunders. I joined the Marine Corps in 1969 due to Ira Hayes. The Pima Indian flag raiser at Iwo Jima.
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.”
Nice job. I met Shecky Green at a Las Vegas sports book about 6 months before his passing. He was enjoying making small bets on some races and chatting with people. I told him how much I enjoyed his role in the episode The General and the Sergeant. He said he helped get director Altman his job.
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
That must of been a hell of a time in the states. I remember the show Wonder Years had a great episode on the Vietnam War. From memory Kevin's brother was killed.
@@War_And_TruthIncorrect. Winnie Coopers brother Brian was killed in Vietnam. Remember in the opening credits you could see Brian's 1959 Chevy El Camino up on blocks in the driveway.?Kevin's brother Wayne went to join with his friend, but Mr. Arnold was vehemently against Wayne joining. Waynes friend came home with PTSD. He strips down to his Skivvys on a swing set & Wayne follows his lead to show support for his friend. 😢
Thanks for the quick summery. I broke down and bought the entire dvd collection. The last year was shot in color but that drove the production costs up. They always had excellent stories. I watched it when it first came out. I think it was on Tuesday nights. We only had two channels in their days-ABC, and perhaps CBS. (Living in Colorado Springs in those days). My favorite was Kirby, as he carried the massive BAR, a fully automatic 30-06. A handful for any one! I wish I owned a BAR. The best I could do was to buy an M1 Garand. i was very happy to see that Kirby nearly outlasted them all!
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!
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.”
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.
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
@@mr.zondide2746 Absolutely .. Can't agree more !! Nigel Green .. Stoic, awesome guy !! ... Love Battleground !! ... all star cast ..1949 .. I have all 5 movies we mentioned, plus dozens of other war movies
My Dad was RCAF in WWII, and among my friends, your father's war experience was part of your status in the group. Three men from my little Saskatchewan town were in Stalag Luft III and participated in preparations for The Great Escape. Being surrounded by this history, I became a documentary film researcher in later life. Your vid brought back so many memories and kind of brought my memories of Combat to some closure. Thanks.
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.
Great memories! I recall sitting in front of the B&W TV, along with our dad, a WWII, German-born, US combat vet. He seemed to enjoy Combat, as it was distant enough to avoid the real pain he experienced as a soldier. While he enjoyed watching, he also loved to critique the show. He’d complain about the awful German accents; the way the platoon walked too closely together during a patrol - or that they chatted, or they smoked, etc. Our dad would say none of that would happen on a real mission - but that was TV and it was ok. He still looked forward to the show as did we. It was the only war program I recall he ever watched. I’m sure he suffered from PTSD, as did most combat soldiers. I sometimes still watch the reruns. Great series about the Greatest Generation.
Even as a kido, I could never understand how the Germans were such terrible shots, and would end up mostly getting deaded, as we would say... Always remember my father calling S Saunders, "sourface'. Like, that was his main take away from it... Kirby and Cage had a sort of cool, tough guy thing going in an 8 year old boys imagination. Like many, I was strangely saddened by VIc Morrow's weirdly tragic way of dying, and the job he was doing on the Twilight Zone episode. It seemed ironic, much.
@@johnnyneverletmedown53Saunders had that 1000 yard stare. Perfect! But when Chip, his first name on the show would smile, you'd feel his happiness for him. Always under immense stress. A real Cool actor from Elvis' movie King Creole where Vic plays Shark. A young Hood working for gangster Maxie Fields, Walter Matthau to Combat. The way he died really hit me hard & John Landis paying off people to go Scott Free!😡 Also, Rick Jason blowing his brains out hit hard too! I just missed Vietnam.🙏🏻 But growing up with Saunders & his Squad, you felt like you were a part of the Squad. 🫡🇺🇸
That show came on at a great time for a lot of people in the early 60s. Less than 20 years after World War II, a lot of our dads were in that war, and pals and I always played army out in the woods. Whoever had the Tommy gun from Mattel would wind up being Sergeant Saunders.
My dad wasn't much of a dad. He came from an era where "children should be seen, not heard". He rarely did anything with my sister and me. He loved "Combat!" and I really liked it too. We watched it together all the time. Watching "Combat!" is one of my rare good memories with him as a kid. Later in his life we bonded, mostly as two friends -- not as father and son per se.
Me and my dad watched this growing up I was 4 when it started. Probably the reason I ended up doing a hitch in the Marine Corp. thanks for the video and the actor updates, really appreciate the time you took
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.
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.
Grew up in an Army household. My father was a veteran of the Second World War. He didn't like to watch too much military movies ,tv etc. But he did like COMBAT.
When Combat! started i was 8 years old and i would watch it as often as i could over the years . When the series came out on DVD i bought each year . I watch as often as i can . My favorite is SGT. Saunders and second is Kirby with the B.A.R. . I was VERY!! sad 😭 when the show ended., but VERY!! happy 😍when i got ALL five seasons on DVD . I also have Rat Patrol on DVD . Check mate king two.... over and out . 1/7/2025 Toronto - Canada
My classic memory of Combat was a scene where in a large clearing a group of German soldiers at one end, Sgt Saunders at the other, all the Germans open fire on Saunders and miss, the Sarg opens with one burst on the Thompson and all 4 Germans go down dead. Classic Combat.
I remember watching Combat on the tiny BW tv we had in the late 70s, which by then were reruns. This show started my interest in weapons ( while living in Brooklyn NY) and the military in general. I retired Jan 2024 as a Special Forces Green Beret medic with 13 trips overseas to include service in Iraq, Afghanistan and Niger (combat zones).
I was born in 1952 and loved Combat. I watched it every week. I now watch it every Friday night on my local television. I am a female. My husband of 53 years says my love of war and westerns is what first attracted him to me😅. We still warch war and westerns together.
In the original opening of the series Hanley is a MSgt in Saunders chain of command. He gets a battlefield commission to Lt. after D-Day. He remains in command of Saunders and the platoon for the duration.
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.
I remember sitting down with my father watching combat once a week back in the sixties my father was a Korean war vet my father was like my advisor I always had questions😂
Growing up in the 1990s, I watched a lot of this show's reruns on the History Channel. Prior to my dad getting posted to Europe with the Air Force, my Mom recorded almost 100 Episodes on VHS so that I could keep watching it there. I have fond memories of that.
Every Tuesday night at 7:30 l(11yrs),my brother (8yrs) and my father would settle in front of the TV for an episode of Combat. We couldn’t get enough! Saunders was my hero but I loved the whole crew. Surprised at no mention of “Blackboard Jungle “. (1955 staring Sidney Poitier with Vic Morrow). I still whistle the Combat theme song. Playing Army with my buddies was a childhood passion .
@@War_And_Truth Of course. I first thought he was a French soldier on loan to the Americans. Then I found out Jalbert was from Québec like me. Then I learned his character was actually Cajun. Funny thing is that Jalbert is Québecois, but Cajuns are the decendants of Acadians, a later wave of French settlers who colonized Nova Scotia. They were expelled from Canada by the British and many found their way to the southern state of Louisiana. Both my grandfathers fought and survived WWII. One was a Québecois and the other was an Acadian. For me, Caje was all those things wrapped in one. So he stood out to me too. Thanks for your work!
Who was your favorite character in Combat, and did you have a best episode?
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 !
Combat was my favorite show growing up. I still watch some of the episodes on YT.
best episode .. 'the patrol' with guest star james cann ... real life examples of small unit tactics
@@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!!!
@@MrBBaron So do I
'Combat' was a must watch for all boys and fathers back in my day.
Along with RAT PATROL!
@KevinSmith-yh6tl . . . and Silent Service Submarines.
And girls too!!! I loved combat!
Interesting; I was 11 when the show premiered. My father had been in the ETO, and he NEVER watched an episode with me.
@@MichaelLeBlanc-p4f yes, and my late father was a veteran of WW2 in the European theater.
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.
I watch all these shows on H & I.
I will be looking at The Rat Patrol early next year.
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.
@@Bumper776it only lasted 1 year. Opposite Combat in scheduling, lost out early.
@@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
Vic Morrow was so perfect for the role of Sgt Saunders that Hollywood was never able to make a movie version of “Combat!” There is simply no actor who could replace him.
Audie Murphy could have, as he looked so young, for years!
But couldn't act liked Morrow. Audie Murphy great hero but his acting was only average.
@@jakejackson6730 Being the most decorated soldier in WW2, should be enough for any war series. Wonder if he was ever approached for a part?
@@petratical Audie did do war movies. As far as Combat, l think he was too much Hollyweird to be cast as a squad member.
Idk...i think Robert Mitchum coulda done it. Who knows? I've got the full dvd box set & binge watch the whole thing every coupl years
Born in 1955, I don't believe I missed a single episode of Combat. In 1982, I lived in Canyon Country, California; it was a summer night and I had my bedroom windows open; I think it was around midnight that I heard a bunch of emergency vehicles go by, lights flashing and sirens blaring. The next morning, I learned that Vic Morrow and two child actors had been in a fatal accident at Indian Dunes, just miles from my home. Truly a sad ending for one of my childhood heroes...
THE BEST .
I remember that well, I was in school in Westwood at the time. Heard about it the next day on the radio. Indian Dunes was a great MX track, a lot of history there too.
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.
I have a similar story. I grew up in Arlington, TX in the 60's and one of my best friends dad was a WWII vet. He was wounded by shrapnel on D-Day and always had a limp. He was also the keeper of the armory for the local VFW Post. Anyway, we were about 10 years old and he would let us play "war" in his front yard with real WWI Springfields or Enfields, I don't know which, but they were bolt action rifles. We had great fun and I remember cars slowing and stopping on the street to look at us. This would never happen today. I still have a WWII bayonet and medal that he gave me. He was from the greatest generation. He was a very kind and friendly man.
Same here and we “hit the dirt” same way.
We had a "pill box"... a...storm drain box, and better yet, a storm tunnel underneath what is now 395 in Arlington, Virginia, in the shadow of the Pentagon.....what a great time to be a kid....boomers rock!
Sounds COOL!!!
@@barrybartos7687 That is a wondeful story! We did much the same as kids but we had BB guns.
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.
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 !
If I remember right it came on TV on Tuesday nights. Great show, one of my favorite.
Fond memories 😮
Same age as you, many WWII vets in the family and their associates came around when I was a kid. We are fortunate to have had such memories passed down to us.
My dad sometimes spoke of WW2 , one thing I remember , was him talking about a weapon called a screaming Mimi , and how it was a fearsome and scary noise it made
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.
But you have a wonderful memory. And you had a really good Dad!
Look at these comments buddy. You aren’t watching alone.
Blessed with such a beautiful father and beautiful memory.
It was on Tuesday nights not Friday's.
@@hermanator74301 Bro, the whole world does not only have USA. I'm talking about in Taiwan, TTV Friday night, we also watched it here.
Watched Combat, Rat Patrol and 12oClock High.
Those shows then were must-watch TV. Loved them all.
The days 😂
E very Sat night on H&I network
You left out The Gallant Men
Combat was the best WWII show ever.
My father Georg Fenady was one of the directors as well as a associate producer on "Combat" Have many great memories being on the set. The cast and crew were very kind to me. I got to handle many of the weapons as well as climb on tanks, half tracks,deuce and a half's,and motorcycles! Never could get those German motorcycles started. But I tried like heck! Maybe if I was older and bigger! As I was only five in 1962. RIP to all the "Combat" cast and crew! Especially my dad Georg! Lost him in 2008. Love ya Sport till we meet again! I later worked with Pierre as we both were film editors back in the 80's.Saw him last in 2008 at my Dad's funeral. Miss him he was a good friend and co-worker! Thanks for letting me share and keep on watching "Combat" on H and I "Heroes and Icon channel on Saturday nights at 10:00pm to 12:00am west coast time two shows back to back as well as "Rat Patrol" after!
That's great history, thanks for sharing.
@@War_And_Truth Thanks for your comment and continued success to your channel!
@@johnfenady1226 iirc Pierre was the editor who intercut the ending scenes of ‘The Godfather” to make it so effective in showing Michael’d hypocracy.
What a fantastic childhood thanks for sharing Cage was one of my favorites but they were all great.
@@sheldonrobertson8670 Thanks brother "Cage" Was the bad dude and Kirby! Wish I would have them in a combat situation back in the day! They always knew how to flank the enemy and get the job done! Got wounded every other episode and still stood strong!! We just lost Jack a few months ago! Bad a-- BAR guy! Doc is still alive Use to go to Jacks house way back then and take a swim at his house! He was married to a "Playboy" playmate back then. Bob Barkers house! WE still have some of the furniture we bought from Jack After the divorce! If you have time watch "Hills are for Heros " directed by Vic Morrow it was a great
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.
Merry Christmas Grunt and thanks for your service and sacrifice
Me too. Lived that show. Vietnam war slowed that show down
🫡🇺🇸
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!🇺🇸
28 years in the Infantry will do that to you. Although Michelle I always felt sorry for Saunders. Despite being a sergeant already in 42 in North Africa and 43 in Italy and then on D-Day poor guy just couldn't make staff... even though then as now staff sergeants were generally infantry squad leaders.
I loved Combat. My favourite show during the mid to late 60s in Australia.
Also..THE GALLANT MEN. that was also a great show.
@@glennthoday9740 Not quite as good as Combat.
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.
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.
Total waste of three lives.
I believe I joined the ARMY too because I loved watching this show. I was only 6 when the show started.
@@War_And_Truth your nuts!
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.
Didn't your dad ever wonder why the Germans in the show were such bad shots.
@@rickden8362 My Dad did not discuss specifics. He also deflected any questions I asked. After he passed away I read two long letters he wrote my Mom about what he had experienced. One passage I particularly remember described what happened in the Battle of the Bulge. His company had 200 men on December 16. When the battle finally ended 35 days later he said only 17 were left able to still fight. The rest were killed, wounded or missing. It was the coldest winter Europe had seen in decades and he wrote that more men were incapacitated or killed by the cold than the fighting. They'd routinely find men frozen to death or with their hands or feet frozen after taking a break or on the rare instances they got to sleep through the night. He said it was a constant repetition of march, fight, wait, march, fight and then wait again.
Great program.
Watched re-runs in 2018.
Will do so again.
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 !
I did the same thing, except there was never any snow. I had a full size replica M1 when I was a little kid. Not sure you would get away with running around with it in the neighborhood these days.
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.
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!
I should read the comments before posting mine 😄
@@thomassouliere7613 We were probably writing them at the same time. I thought the actor was top notch, didn't you? Merry Christmas.
He was really just a Cannuck.
@@partygrove5321 I know...doesn't matter. He was a good actor and did the roll justice.
@@MARYREED-nh7gb called Arcadians. Deported to Louisiana after England took down the French in Canada.
The story is told in a book title EVANGELINE
My favorite show as a little boy. My father’s grandparent’s spoke German, and he could translate what the Germans were saying. I thought his bilingualism was so cool that I majored in German, went to brewing classes in Germany, and now by own a German-style brewery in Kansas City.
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.
Thank you.
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 😊
Yes judging by the comments it was hugely popular.
Jason Cafrey here! had several uncredited roles in the first season, all the guys were mighty swell and I still have a signed poster from the original cast, same with Rat Patrol, Big Valley, Bewitched and F Troop, was also in a short lived ABC show called “Roll Out” based on the Red Ball Express, became disillusioned with film industry after the Morrow incident, many thanks for the video.
You're welcome.
My dad was captured at Anzio in Italy, a pow for 15 months ... Our fathers were the greatest generation , God bless them all ....the American combat veterans of WW2 , and ww1
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.
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.
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.
@Bumper776
HAHAHA!!
My friends and I, did the same thing.
I still have some of my "gear."
Thanks for bringing back those memories.
👍👍👍👍👍
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 !
@@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.
mattel had a replica of a thompson that shot a 'magazine. of caps on automatic ....
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.
@@user-iv7pl2uo7q the Thompson used by Vic Morrow on the show was an primal 1921 15,000 were made and commercially unsuccessful.the 21 had the bolt on the top.
The wwii version had the bolt on the side. About 400,000 were produced as best I can recollect.
I was fascinated by the Thompson and had a dick Tracy got Tommy gun as a 5 year old. Still have it.
Managed to purchase several 1921s in 1980s very reasonably,
. They are now costing about 20x those prices.
Thanks for bringing back some good memories.
I never missed an episode of Combat. I even had the board game of Combat. Thanks for sharing. ❤
Thanks for watching.
I still watch it every Saturday night.
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.
Thanks for the memories !! Best show on TV back in the day !!!
No problem.
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.
Combat was clearly my most favorite series. In fact, it was the only one I really watched. It was just incredible. Gave me an idea what my father went through while he was in the service.
When Combat first aired, I was 13. I remember it coming on Tuesday night and I was right there, in front of the TV. And I watched every episode and not having a color TV, the last season was still B&W. I even bought the series in DVD. But I don’t remember my dad saying much about it, maybe because he was a Marine in WW2 in the Pacific, which he never talked about.
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.
That's a great tribute.
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.
Yeah, he was a Cool guy. Died too young.
Watched it with my late Dad, a WWII Vet and POW.
Nice memories to have.
I have good memoies of watching Combat with my dad who was a staff Sgt. in the 63 div. during WWII. He always said it was the most realistic except for the lack of music, smell of death and that they walked to close to one another. Otherer wise it was close to the real thing. Thank you for the great retrospective on this great series.😁
Thanks for watching.
It was a great series. Very realistic As a young lad it was one of my favorites Cheers 🤙🏼
Thanks mate.
Vic Morrow was superb in 'Men In War,' as a traumatized Korean War soldier with PTSD
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.
I've read that Rick Jason said the whole Cast had to go through 2 weeks of Hell, (Basic Training) . Live ammo over their heads, etc. To get into shape for the show. He said it was WORSE then when he went through it when he was in the Service.
Im70 ,and I watched combat religiously. Kirby ,cage ,little John and sgt. Saunders , it was a different world and time .everybody's father's were combat veterans from WW2 , my dad was in the 5th army , 45th "Thunderbird" division , he was in 3 Beach assaults in Italy , Sicily , Salerno , and was wounded and captured at Anzio , he was a prisoner 15 mo. And escaped. I miss the stability of my youth ,that world....and the TV shows like combat , Red Skelton hour , saw the Beatles first on the Ed Sullivan show , the Milton Burl show , Rowan and Martins "laugh In" ...the 60s best music , best clothes, best drugs, best cars. I miss it all
No doubt the 60's to the 80's were the best decades.
I regularly watched Combat. One of my favorite shows back in the '60s. Seemed authentic to me and others, great drama and action.
I think it's a wonderful series still to this day. Tour of Duty is my other favorite.
I was eight years old when this came on TV and never missed an episode and still watch it occasionally as it as it is on H&I channel 385 AT&T satellite tv on Saturday Night at 10 pm and 11pm (2 episodes ) along with other favorites Rat Patrol and 12 O'clock High and other war series. These guys were my heros when I was a kid.
I watched Combat every week growing up. I have the whole series on DVD today. In one of the early episodes, they state that Cage (Pierre Jalbert) is French Cajun from Louisiana. That's why he speaks French. I worked in South Louisiana for almost a year, and the Cajuns I knew said that what they speak isn't the same French spoken in France. I always saw myself as Sgt Saunders. I joined the Marine Corps in 1969 due to Ira Hayes. The Pima Indian flag raiser at Iwo Jima.
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.”
Nice job. I met Shecky Green at a Las Vegas sports book about 6 months before his passing. He was enjoying making small bets on some races and chatting with people. I told him how much I enjoyed his role in the episode The General and the Sergeant. He said he helped get director Altman his job.
My dad really liked and watched the show. He was a Battan POW in World War II.
Thanks for sharing.
That was one of my favorite TV Shows when I was 8 years old.
Great show for kids as it wasn't gory.
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
That must of been a hell of a time in the states. I remember the show Wonder Years had a great episode on the Vietnam War. From memory Kevin's brother was killed.
@
There was a TV series back in
The 1980s called ,
“tour of duty “
Fictional story of a US Army platoon in Vietnam
@@OVERHERE-OVERHERE TOD was My favorite war series. I will be doing a video or two on it in the future.
@
Look forward to seeing your tour of duty video and thank you
@@War_And_TruthIncorrect. Winnie Coopers brother Brian was killed in Vietnam. Remember in the opening credits you could see Brian's 1959 Chevy El Camino up on blocks in the driveway.?Kevin's brother Wayne went to join with his friend, but Mr. Arnold was vehemently against Wayne joining. Waynes friend came home with PTSD. He strips down to his Skivvys on a swing set & Wayne follows his lead to show support for his friend. 😢
Thanks for the quick summery. I broke down and bought the entire dvd collection. The last year was shot in color but that drove the production costs up. They always had excellent stories. I watched it when it first came out. I think it was on Tuesday nights. We only had two channels in their days-ABC, and perhaps CBS. (Living in Colorado Springs in those days). My favorite was Kirby, as he carried the massive BAR, a fully automatic 30-06. A handful for any one! I wish I owned a BAR. The best I could do was to buy an M1 Garand. i was very happy to see that Kirby nearly outlasted them all!
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!
The Germans always left their cover when in a firefight in this show. Dumb.
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.”
Haha nice story. I used to watch a war film with my dad every weekend.
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.
I love Little John. So dry.
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
Its wonderful we can fall back on these movies and series. They never get old.
You left out Color Sergeant Bourne and also sergeant Walowicz from “Battleground”
@@mr.zondide2746 Absolutely .. Can't agree more !! Nigel Green .. Stoic, awesome guy !! ... Love Battleground !! ... all star cast ..1949 .. I have all 5 movies we mentioned, plus dozens of other war movies
My Dad was RCAF in WWII, and among my friends, your father's war experience was part of your status in the group. Three men from my little Saskatchewan town were in Stalag Luft III and participated in preparations for The Great Escape. Being surrounded by this history, I became a documentary film researcher in later life. Your vid brought back so many memories and kind of brought my memories of Combat to some closure. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for the video, brings back a lot of memories. Combat was one of my favorite shows 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
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.
I totally agree. The series is on youtube by the way.
@War_And_Truth; Yup, and free.
Great show that still shows up on TV.
It never gets old. I switch between Combat and Tour of Duty.
Great memories! I recall sitting in front of the B&W TV, along with our dad, a WWII, German-born, US combat vet. He seemed to enjoy Combat, as it was distant enough to avoid the real pain he experienced as a soldier. While he enjoyed watching, he also loved to critique the show. He’d complain about the awful German accents; the way the platoon walked too closely together during a patrol - or that they chatted, or they smoked, etc. Our dad would say none of that would happen on a real mission - but that was TV and it was ok. He still looked forward to the show as did we. It was the only war program I recall he ever watched. I’m sure he suffered from PTSD, as did most combat soldiers. I sometimes still watch the reruns. Great series about the Greatest Generation.
Even as a kido, I could never understand how the Germans were such terrible shots, and would end up mostly getting deaded, as we would say... Always remember my father calling S Saunders, "sourface'. Like, that was his main take away from it... Kirby and Cage had a sort of cool, tough guy thing going in an 8 year old boys imagination. Like many, I was strangely saddened by VIc Morrow's weirdly tragic way of dying, and the job he was doing on the Twilight Zone episode. It seemed ironic, much.
@@johnnyneverletmedown53Saunders had that 1000 yard stare. Perfect! But when Chip, his first name on the show would smile, you'd feel his happiness for him. Always under immense stress. A real Cool actor from Elvis' movie King Creole where Vic plays Shark. A young Hood working for gangster Maxie Fields, Walter Matthau to Combat. The way he died really hit me hard & John Landis paying off people to go Scott Free!😡 Also, Rick Jason blowing his brains out hit hard too! I just missed Vietnam.🙏🏻 But growing up with Saunders & his Squad, you felt like you were a part of the Squad. 🫡🇺🇸
That show came on at a great time for a lot of people in the early 60s. Less than 20 years after World War II, a lot of our dads were in that war, and pals and I always played army out in the woods. Whoever had the Tommy gun from Mattel would wind up being Sergeant Saunders.
Still watching...Christmas 2024
Watched them all on RUclips a few years ago, was a favorite as a kid.
My dad wasn't much of a dad. He came from an era where "children should be seen, not heard". He rarely did anything with my sister and me. He loved "Combat!" and I really liked it too. We watched it together all the time. Watching "Combat!" is one of my rare good memories with him as a kid. Later in his life we bonded, mostly as two friends -- not as father and son per se.
Not uncommon. Don’t feel bad.👍😉
Thanks for sharing. I hardly had a relationship with my father when I was a kid as he was too busy working but we were good friends as adults.
Sad story but very common for millions of kids, to me it’s a lost opportunity
Me and my dad watched this growing up I was 4 when it started. Probably the reason I ended up doing a hitch in the Marine Corp. thanks for the video and the actor updates, really appreciate the time you took
I never missed a show for all 5 years
I used to watch " combat"!! in the mid - 60's!! in my youth! army vet 80's!!!!
Thanks for your service.
@@War_And_TruthI liked the " Tommy gun"! thompson!!!! good weapon"!!!!!
What a great video bringing back lots of great memories as I grew up watching this show. I want more, so I am subscribing to your channel. Cheers.
Thank you, I appreciate that and welcome to the channel.
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.
Combat ran from 1962 - 1967.
" VIC MARROW , R. I. P. " !! GREAT CAST !! I MISS THIS GREAT SHOW !! 🪖🪖🪖🪖
It is on RUclips if you ever want to watch it again.
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.
As an eleven year old, this was my absolute favorite show at the time.
Couldn't get a better show for a kid and then Tour of Duty came alone which was a lot more appealing to teenagers/adults.
Grew up in an Army household. My father was a veteran of the Second World War. He didn't like to watch too much military movies ,tv etc. But he did like COMBAT.
When Combat! started i was 8 years old and i would watch it as often as i could over the years . When the series came out on DVD i bought each year . I watch as often as i can . My favorite is SGT. Saunders and second is Kirby with the B.A.R. . I was VERY!! sad 😭 when the show ended., but VERY!! happy 😍when i got ALL five seasons on DVD . I also have Rat Patrol on DVD . Check mate king two.... over and out . 1/7/2025 Toronto - Canada
My classic memory of Combat was a scene where in a large clearing a group of German soldiers at one end, Sgt Saunders at the other, all the Germans open fire on Saunders and miss, the Sarg opens with one burst on the Thompson and all 4 Germans go down dead. Classic Combat.
My favorite as a kid. We played army with all the kids in the neighborhood. I had a Mattel Thompson, camo Helmut. Saunders was my guy.
I remember watching Combat on the tiny BW tv we had in the late 70s, which by then were reruns. This show started my interest in weapons ( while living in Brooklyn NY) and the military in general. I retired Jan 2024 as a Special Forces Green Beret medic with 13 trips overseas to include service in Iraq, Afghanistan and Niger (combat zones).
I was born in 1952 and loved Combat. I watched it every week. I now watch it every Friday night on my local television. I am a female. My husband of 53 years says my love of war and westerns is what first attracted him to me😅. We still warch war and westerns together.
I want you for my wife I love Combat and Westerns. 😅😊
The theme song was one of my favorites of all time. I ALWAYS watched this show in the early 60's.
Music was great!
Great show I have the whole series on DVD
Good to have incase its taken off YT some day.
Great program. I never missed an episode. SGT Saunders was my favorite. Thx
Thanks for listening
I have a lot of appreciation and love for this film, without a doubt it was one of the first war films I saw with my father when I was a child.
I watched this with my dad and brother. It was a very special and accurate portrayal of the truth of WW2.
I still watch Combat on Saturday evenings, on Heroes, and Icons.
The entire series is also here on RUclips.
Me too! Only l tape it. 🥱😴
In the original opening of the series Hanley is a MSgt in Saunders chain of command. He gets a battlefield commission to Lt. after D-Day. He remains in command of Saunders and the platoon for the duration.
My wife and I still watch at least two episodes a week. We are in our 60s. We feel like the actors were our friends for 60 years....
Great to have a series where there is not one irritating character.
@War_And_Truth Well, my wife and I get a bit irked at Kirby sometimes 😁
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.
Thanks for your memory. I was really surprised when I read that. He seemed like he had absolutely everything going for him.
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.
Man, these last few videos are definitely bringing fond memories growing up!
great cast, and stories were realistic and engaging
I remember sitting down with my father watching combat once a week back in the sixties my father was a Korean war vet my father was like my advisor I always had questions😂
Watched every episode! Great show!! Very impressive lineup of guests stars.
Thanks for the video! As a kid, my dad (a Korean vet) and I watched Combat. Was my favorite show!
No problem glad you enjoyed it.
Don't think i ever missed a Combat episode. I grew up watching this series. But mostly the black and white episodes. Great series.👍👍
Growing up in the 1990s, I watched a lot of this show's reruns on the History Channel. Prior to my dad getting posted to Europe with the Air Force, my Mom recorded almost 100 Episodes on VHS so that I could keep watching it there. I have fond memories of that.
Every Tuesday night at 7:30 l(11yrs),my brother (8yrs) and my father would settle in front of the TV for an episode of Combat. We couldn’t get enough! Saunders was my hero but I loved the whole crew. Surprised at no mention of “Blackboard Jungle “. (1955 staring Sidney Poitier with Vic Morrow). I still whistle the Combat theme song. Playing Army with my buddies was a childhood passion .
Thanks for the comment. This show really brings back a lot of memories for a lot of people.
PFC Paul "Caje" LeMay was not a Frenchman. He was Cajun from Louisiana.
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.
@@War_And_Truth Of course. I first thought he was a French soldier on loan to the Americans. Then I found out Jalbert was from Québec like me. Then I learned his character was actually Cajun. Funny thing is that Jalbert is Québecois, but Cajuns are the decendants of Acadians, a later wave of French settlers who colonized Nova Scotia. They were expelled from Canada by the British and many found their way to the southern state of Louisiana.
Both my grandfathers fought and survived WWII. One was a Québecois and the other was an Acadian.
For me, Caje was all those things wrapped in one. So he stood out to me too.
Thanks for your work!
@@thomassouliere7613 Wonderful history. My family is boring old English with a little Scottish on the other side lol
@@War_And_Truth mine too. Except Irish and Scottish. Mix in a little French Canadian and Native and you got my cocktail of life. 😀
I love that show!! A bit thrown off by the timeline and some of the German vihicles, but still great show!
This was my favorite TV series when I was a kid. I love to watch it today, it brings back a lot of memories.
I loved watching this show in the 60’s. It is on the H&I channel on Saturday nights running two episodes that night along with other WWII tv shows.