John at Castle Argghhh! thinks people wouldn’t know this about Glenn Ford.
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.â€Â
Hollywood sure could use more men like Captain Ford.
So did ya know about him? I didn’t. I didn’t know he served in WWII AND Vietnam.
Glenn Ford was a REAL hollywood hero. He didn’t just play one in movies.
The hollywood of the 1940s bears little resemblence to the hollywood of today. There are a few celebrities with grit - but patriotism is just not ‘hip’, yanno?
Rest in Peace. John has the best version of ECHO TAPS I’ve heard
Rest in peace Mr. Ford
My dad, who is dead now, served in the Canadian navy in WW II. Dad loved western movies, which means he was a big fan of Mr. Ford. I also am a fan of Glen Ford movies and his patriotic life. Though, I first learned of his patriotic life from your webiste. Or, rather, the degree of his patriotic life.
I knew I liked him for a reason……rest in peace, Mr. Ford.
Actor Glenn Ford’s Passing Away…
I was fortunate to work with Glenn Ford on a film called Berrgarman Thief (1979). He was wonderful and we spoke of our country, our military and how he felt about those serving….