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)

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

The combination of Tony Curtis and military uniform could be hazardous. Well, one little peek can't hurt.

LOL! I had the same kind of thought before I clicked on the link.
"Gad...how much more good looking could he get?"

[Mr. Thorne]

Good grief, I hope you never watch "Operation Petticoat;" you might spontaneously combust!

= D

[RasterMaster]

I even liked his appearance in the movie where the ocean liner capsized (Pos? Adventure?). BTW - just for fun, I would like to see Ernest swab the deck using Ed Asner (POS-Socialist) as the mop.

[Stars N Stripes]

Well, to me their all good. But it doesn't hold a candle to my all time favorite: Space Mutiny

"Pantyhose are itchy, itchy itchy itchy..."

Bad movies just don't get any better than this stinker!

[Oztrich Boy]

Some sources say he was born in 1915 and is actually now 89.

Be that as it may, he did the "Good things about winning an Oscar Top 10" on Dave Letterman a few days back - and he doesn't look a day over 85!






On the other hand, Borgnine looks like he's in his early 70s

[BigSkyVic]

Space Mutiny rocks!! One of my favorites too!!

[billhilly]

To my way of thinking, McHale's Navy did more to honor the PT Boat than all of JFKs press agents.

[BykrBayb]

I would like to see Ernest swab the deck using Ed Asner (POS-Socialist) as the mop.

Wouldn't we all?!

[quietolong]

Bump

[Democratshavenobrains]

Space Mutiny BUMP! It's not a giant warehouse, its a Futuristic Space Ship!

[firewalk]

bttt

[Chip_Douglas]

Space Mutiny has to be my favorite.

"Big McLargehuge !"

[old3030]

This guy could play anything from sensitive to the world's baddest tough guy. A great actor and a good man.

[skeeter]

Ping!

[mrustow]

Thanks for the ping. Good man, great American.

[fawn796]

I always like him in "Airwolf." (Santini??)

[StarCMC]

NAvy ping

[SevenofNine]

OH MAN I wish MSTK 3000 was on the air

Actually I saw Ernest on episode of Outer limit you know new version in 1990s that pretty cool

[Snidely Whiplash]

Man, I'm surprised no one's mentioned EB's voice work as MermaidMan on Spongebob Squarepants!

SW

[Criminal Number 18F]

Jason Robards, IIRC, was a Radioman 3rd on one of the ships in Pearl Harbour on Dec. 7, 1941.

Lee Marvin was a combat infantryman, I believe in the Marines. ISTR that Charles Bronson was also in ground combat. Jimmy Stewart and Clark Gable went into the air corps once the war started and Stewart stayed in the Reserves and made general, and flew just about everything. Gable was an aerial gunner.

d.o.l.

Criminal Number 18F