Actor Ernest Borgnine died last week at age 95. Although he won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and many other awards, he was probably best known for his portrayal of Commander McHale, a PT boat commander, in the TV series “McHale’s Navy” from 1962-1966. (I can remember watching that show!)
But what you may not know is that Ernest Borgnine actually served in the U.S. Navy for ten years. He enlisted at age 18, after finishing high school, and was discharged in 1941. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, he re-enlisted and served as a gunner’s mate until 1945.
He was made an honorary Navy chief petty officer in October 2004, by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Terry D. Scott as a result of his unwavering support of the Navy and Navy families. He was also an honorary U.S. Navy Blue Angel, and will be sorely missed by the Blue Angel family.
Enjoy his narration of “I Am The American Sailor,” backed by the U.S. Navy Band at the Navy’s 231st birthday concert in 2006.