Comments for Glenn Ford, Captain, USNR (ret), RIP.

Glenn Ford, Captain, USNR (ret), RIP.

2006-09-01T19:05:17Z

Here something I'm betting you didn't know.

Canadian born American patriot and Hollywood great Glenn Ford passed away in his LA home.
Star of such films as "The Blackboard Jungle", "Gilda", "The Big Heat" and "Midway", he was also a bona fide gunslinger.

Ford joined the Marines in WWII for a two year hitch where he served at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, and he spent a year at the Marine barracks in Quantico, Va. Later he joined the Naval Reserve with the rank of lieutenant commander.

During the Vietnam War, Ford served periods of active duty with the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force. He was a briefing officer on new weapons and served under fire at Da Nang, Monkey Mountain, the Rock Pile, Chu Lai, Pleiku and Quang Tri. Ford also went on at least one mission with the Army's Special Forces... making him the only Hollywood actor to see combat with both the Marines and the SF.

Ford said of his service with the Marine Corps - �It made me grow up. I'll always be grateful to the Marines for making a man out of me.�

Hollywood sure could use more men like Captain Ford.

Amen.

Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam.

H/t, Jim C.

Comment from Ponsdorf on 2006-09-02

2006-09-03T01:18:46Z

Hat tip and link: http://www.oldwardogs.us/2006/09/well_damn.html

Comment from Cricket on 2006-09-02

2006-09-02T13:57:19Z

Hear hear! A fine man, along with the Duke, Clark Gable, Patrick Doohan, Jimmy Stewart. We will see their like again as long as we have something to live, love and fight for. We have those kinds of heroes now. They may not be on the silver screen, but they are unsung, quiet and consistent.

Comment from beth on 2006-09-01

2006-09-02T04:08:43Z

I've heard we are losing 1,000 WWII vets a day now. There were some hollywood heros in those days. Too bad there aren't many now. He does look good in that uniform!

Comment from Sage on 2006-09-01

2006-09-01T23:06:57Z

I remembered he was a Captain in the Navy, but then I am old enough lol. I also thought he was a great actor and hated how the Hollywood bigshots put a sort of blackball on him and his opportunities in the '60's went down in the movie making business. He got a resuragence with Tom Selleck casting him in one of the Sackett movies.

Comment from Maggie on 2006-09-01

2006-09-01T21:53:04Z

I was a fan - "Dear Heart" was one of my favorite movies. Plus he starred opposite my alter ego Rita Hayworth in "Gilda". But now....mmmmmmm.....doesn't he look good in that uniform? LOL You know my weakness........

Comment from MissBirdlegs in AL on 2006-09-01

2006-09-01T19:46:56Z

Some of the young folks I work with didn't recognize the name when I mentioned this yesterday. Thanks for this, John. Not only was he a Patriot, I always thought he was a FINE actor!