Charles Durning passed away on Christmas Eve. He was known for his ability to play a wide variety of roles on stage and on screen and also could dance!
But not many know that Private Durning also hit the beach on D-Day, was severely wounded 9 days later , rejoining the 1st ID just in time for the Battle of the Bulge a d was captured there. He is one of the few survivors of the Malmady massacre. RIP sir, RIP.
H/t Les
I’m out and about and traveling so go read the folks on the side bar. I’ll be back in battery late tomorrow.
But not many know that Private Durning also hit the beach on D-Day, was severely wounded 9 days later , rejoining the 1st ID just in time for the Battle of the Bulge a d was captured there. He is one of the few survivors of the Malmady massacre. RIP sir, RIP.
H/t Les
I’m out and about and traveling so go read the folks on the side bar. I’ll be back in battery late tomorrow.
He was one of the good guys, and always entertaining. Had a great comedic streak, too.
He will be missed, as I don’t see many in the current crop of so-called stars to fill his shoes.
One of many WWII vets who were, or became, actors. There are a few from the Korea Conflict. James Gardner comes to mind. Anyone know of any from subsequent conflicts?
Rev. Paul: You’ve changed your avatar!
Yeah, I’ve heard more about Klugman, but not enough about Durning.
One of 10 kids, his dad was a disabled WW1 vet so the mom took in West Point Cadet laundry to keep the family going.
Rest easy sir.
NFO, we’re thinking alike again. I posted about Charles Durning, too.
He derived his sense of humor from a life richly led. And was one of my favorites.
Charles Durning was one of my favorite characters simply because of his WWII service. I posted a bit on him, too. Such a humble man to have seen and been through so much. A true hero.
Travel safe!
WSF: I found that Dennis Franz, Wes Studi, Pat Sajak Demond Wilson, Oliver Stone, Gunny Ermey, Dale Dye and Jim Beaver were all ‘Nam Vets.
Plus there are those like Clint Eastwood, Chuck Norris, Elvis and Kris Khristopherson who served in the Military after Korea but didn’t go to ‘Nam.
Hope this helps.
@ BL. Thanks,
What a man of courage and honor.
I did Jack Klugman today. Who didn’t serve much, but tried like hell.
Dennis Franz served with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions in Vietnam.
Durning was bayoneted and unable to reach is rifle when a German soldier came by to kill him. Durning, wounded, beat his head in with a rock!
Now THAT’S a Ranger!
Didn’t know that about Franz, another favorite.
gfa
I’m going back & check what units were rolled up in the Bulge. 1st I.D.? mixture cluster -F? oh well… being bayonetted is enough for having a “case of the Mondays.”
FYI: Johnny Carson’s (Ensign, USNR) first at sea assignment: policing up burned, mangled bodies / parts of bodies on the USS Pennsylvania. Turn-to, butter-bar.
Rev- True!
WSF- I’m not sure…
Ed- Thanks for more info on him!
Crucis- I’ve been without net, posted from the iPhone, and hadn’t read anyone in three days. Sorry…
Juan- EXCELLENT point!
CP- Concur!
Les- Thanks!
WSF- Yep.
Agirl- True!
MSgt- Thanks, I’ll go read.
Mrs. C- Thanks!
gfa- Thanks for that update too!
Russell- Concur, and yes Carson did serve!
RIP, Private Charles Dunning.