Ernest Borgnine Hails Navy Sailors

Navy NewsStand ^ | 3/10/2004 | Journalist 2nd Class Kimberly Rodgers, Navy News Service

[BykrBayb]

Story Number: NNS040310-07 Release Date: 3/10/2004 11:12:00 AM

By Journalist 2nd Class Kimberly Rodgers, Navy News Service

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Academy award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine spent time with Sailors March 9 at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. During the visit, Borgnine shared with Sailors the influence the Navy has had on his life.

After 10 years of naval service during World War II, Borgnine, 87, said he became more responsible.

"Being here brought back so many memories," he reminisced, often overcome with emotion. "The idea of being a part of something so enormous taught me how to be a man. It gave me something to prove to myself--and to my country. I'd like to be able to do it all over again."

Borgnine, who joined the Navy in 1935, served on the now-decommisioned USS Lamberton (DD 119), reaching the rank of Chief Gunner's Mate, and went on to land the lead role in the popular television series "McHale's Navy." With more than 150 films to his credit, Borgnine received the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the hit movie "Marty" in 1955.

"Being in his company was amazing," said Seaman Jordan Logan of U.S. Ceremonial Guard Command, Washington. "Just coming into the Navy, you get lots of advice. It always makes a difference when the advice comes from someone who's actually worn the uniform--and went on to do great things."

"I've seen so many of his movies," said Personnelman 2nd Class Jocelyn Smith of Naval Air Facility, Washington. "This is like a dream come true. He's a real class act. You get the feeling he really cares about our service."

A teary-eyed Borgnine concluded the session by saying to Sailors, "You're serving a great country. Always, always do your best."

For more news from around the fleet, visit the Navy NewsStand at www.news.navy.mil.

040308-N-2383B-007 Washington, D.C., (Mar. 8, 2004) – Acclaimed Academy Award winning actor and World War II combat veteran Chief's Gunner Mate Ernest Borgnine, stopped by the Pentagon to meet with Adm. Michael G. Mullen, Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO). Mr. Borgnine is in the D.C. area to meet with military personnel and will be the Master of Ceremonies for the 2004 Lone Sailor Awards Dinner. A 1997 recipient of the award established in 1987 to honor naval service veterans who have distinguished themselves in their professions through public service and national leadership. Mr. Borgnine will present this years award to Mr. Ben Bradlee, vice president at of the Washington Post and Adm. Stansfield Turner, USN (Ret.), director of the CIA from 1997 to 1981. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Johnny Bivera. (RELEASED)

[NormsRevenge]

Borgnine BumP

[Stars N Stripes]

[Williams]

I know this is stupid, but I really thought he had passed away. I am just glad this great and likeable actor and American is still with us!

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

And so there really are...

...Modern Day Heroes..!!!


http://www.ModernDayHeroes.com

.

[breakem]

I thought Marty was dead

[dighton]

Ernest Borgnine interview, from 2001.

[SolutionsOnly]

Always liked Tim Conway stepping off the pier on the McHale's Navy opening. Classic.

[Prodigal Son]

I know this is stupid, but I really thought he had passed away.

To tell the truth, I did too. I'm actually glad to hear he is still alive and kicking.

[JustAnAmerican]

"I thought Marty was dead"

So did I, until I just errr, happened to notice he was the voice for one of the characters on a Sponge Bob episode. He played an elderly super hero type, care to guess who his sidekick was? None other then Tim Conway :)

[breakem]

I missed that episode. LOL

[JustAnAmerican]

My two favorite episodes were the afore mentioned and the one where all the characters started cursing without cursing :)

[Servant of the 9]

You can't fool me, that's Emeril Lagasse in the crabbing episode.

So9

[cmsgop]

LOL! Btw , I grew up with the Goldwater Grand kids......

[mass55th]

Another movie star who served in the Navy during WWII was Tony Curtis. Here's a link to a photo of him in uniform:

Tony Curtis

I was in Washington several years ago doing research at the National Archives. Right across the street is the Navy Memorial. While having lunch at a small shop, I learned that they were having a ceremony at the memorial and that Tony Curtis was going to be there. I ran back to my car and got my camera. I think it was right around cherry blossom time in D.C., and Mr. Curtis was the Grand Marshall for the parade that was going to be taking place. If my memory serves me well, Curtis was on the U.S.S. Missouri when the surrender was signed.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Borgnine is also a former member of the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee ( CSAC ). They meet four times a year and decide what images will be on our postage stamps.

[Monty22]

Hey, he was in a great MST3K movie too.

With the passing of Paul Winfield, I'm glad we still have some of this generation's actors with us. Go Ernest!

[wimpycat]

He made a great Centurion in "Jesus of Nazareth".

[BykrBayb]

Do I dare look at Tony Curtis in uniform? I don't know. I'm a married woman. The combination of Tony Curtis and military uniform could be hazardous. Well, one little peek can't hurt.

Oh, no! Is it getting warm in here?

[NormsRevenge]

Borgnine site HERE with some good old photos in the gallery section.

With Lee Marvin in "The Emperor of the North" (1972)