FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Jonathan Winters ~ April 7, 2014

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[Kathy in Alaska]

 

Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!

For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday...
Thank the Veterans who served
in The United States Armed Forces.

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States
Armed Forces Today!

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~ Hall of Heroes ~
 

Jonathan Winters
Info from Dale Dye.

 

           

Mountainlion had some great ideas for stories, and so I went looking and found this gem of a story about comedian Jonathan Winters.  I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!
 

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Ask military veterans about their most vivid memories and you’ll likely hear about boot camp bewilderment, good (or bad) times at some overseas post, or maybe a story from one battlefield or another. I’ve got all those stories tall and small—some even true—from my own couple of decades in uniform but one I most love to tell involves a comedy ambush sprung on me by the late, great genius Jonathan Winters. The world lost him recently at age 87 but Winters’ precisely targeted humor and machinegun delivery will keep him alive in my memory and prompt a smile every time I think back on that close encounter with him back in the early 1960s.

Jonathan Winters was enlisted to serve as Grand Marshal of a Christmas parade down in Orange County and I was enlisted to serve as a Corporal of Marines at the nearby El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. Those of us on duty that winter day were pissing and moaning about having to miss all the scantily-clad beauty pageant girls being paraded right outside the base gates when the Sergeant of the Guard indicated he wanted to see me in full uniform and in a hurry. He scrutinized the creases in my tropical worsted uniform with a critical eye, satisfied himself that I was acceptably squared away, and told me to call the motor pool and order up a Jeep. I was to report to the main gate, pick up “some kind of celebrity dude that used to be a Jarhead” and escort him to the base Public Affairs Office.

Fortunately, another sergeant of my acquaintance knew more about the mission than I gleaned from that briefest of briefings. Sergeant Ken Semple who ran the base audio recording studio and was no slouch in the funny story-telling arena himself, knew all about that celebrity dude and was nearly beside himself at the prospect of meeting comedian Jonathan Winters. While I waited for the Jeep, Ken played a couple of cuts from Jonathan’s hit comedy LP and I had to admit the dude was funny. When the horn sounded to announce my ride, Ken told me to hustle as he had just a half-hour to get Winters into the studio and have him read a bunch of prepared copy supporting the Marine Corps’ Toys For Tots charity drive.

Winters was waiting in the parking lot near the gate house, sitting up on the back seat of a shiny new Chevy convertible bearing the placards of a local car dealer with his arms wrapped around the only two scantily-clad beauty pageant girls I was to see that day. It suddenly occurred to me that I had no idea whether the chubby little gnome with a spacey look on his face was a former officer or former enlisted Jarhead. I whipped him a snappy salute. My enlisted instincts told me there was no way this guy could have made it much beyond PFC, but better safe than sorry. Winters took one look at me standing there vibrating with my right hand cutting just the proper angle and slipped into a character I would come to know well very shortly.

“Corporal Dye, sir. Here to take you up to the Public Affairs Office.”

“Lieutenant Binky Bixford, Yale ’41…” Winters simpered and snapped off a return salute with the wrong hand. “I just love it when you enlisted scum show the proper respect.”

Climbing into the Jeep with surprising agility, Winters began a rap on the Marine Corps, slipping seamlessly from one character voice to another as he observed things that stimulated a memory from somewhere deep in that fertile brain of his. He was Gunnery Sergeant Crider, barking at a close-order drill formation we passed. He was Second Lieutenant Bixford again complaining about the fit and feel of his skivvy shorts as we passed the supply warehouse. And he lubricated his voice with regular little hits from a silver flask the size of a quart canteen. As we pulled into the parking lot, he offered me a drink and then promptly pulled back. “Better not, Corporal. You enlisted scum can’t handle strong drink. You might become a liberty risk…”

Ken Semple did his level best not to be overly star-struck and get Jonathan to read the public service copy straight but there was no chance in hell. Everything in the area seemed to remind Winters of some aspect of his service as a Marine. He looked at Ken’s Purple Heart ribbon from Korea and instantly became Maude Frickert begging her nephew not to join the Marines where he could get a serious boo-boo. He spotted a framed recruiting poster featuring a Marine Drill Instructor and was suddenly Recruit Elwood P. Suggins of Dayton, Ohio (Winters’ hometown) asking Gunny Crider stupid questions about sleeping with his Teddy Bear at boot camp.

The microphone in front of him became the public address system of an assault landing ship over which the captain begged the Marines about to land on hostile shores to leave him all their money and valuables. There was so much more. The half-hour turned into two hours and I can’t remember if we even got the required recordings. Most of the time, we were hooting and rolling on the deck and our reactions just spurred Jonathan to further lunacy. The guy was brilliant. There’s just no other way to describe that strange and hilarious encounter.

Some sort of agent or handler finally arrived and hauled him away but not before we’d given him all the little emblems and souvenirs we could find or afford. Jonathan Winters actually made Corporal in the Corps before he was discharged but he was a king that day and the small crowd that gathered to hear him riff paid homage, laughing uproariously on their knees.

Over the years that I enjoyed his comedy, I felt a personal connection with Jonathan Winters. I did some research and found out that he’d been a seagoing Marine aboard a battleship (USS Wisconsin) and an assault carrier (USS Bon Homme Richard) where he served as an anti-aircraft gunner in the battle for Okinawa and the assaults on mainland Japan. His service was honorable all the way and I read several interviews in which he reflected—with his usual comic take—on his service as a Marine. There was humor but there was also respect. Jonathan Winters was proud to have served and he knew that there are no ex-Marines.

Years after the El Toro event while I was serving in Vietnam, I took a long-shot and wrote to him through his listed show-biz representatives reminding of him about our meeting at El Toro. It was just a whim, prompted by hearing a cut from a new album he’d released, and I never expected a response. Three weeks later, at mail call outside a soggy tent at Phu Bai, I got a package that contained a picture dedicated to Corporal Dye and signed by Second Lieutenant Binky Bixford, Gunnery Sergeant Crider, and Corporal Jonathan Winters USMC.

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During his senior year of high school, Winters quit and joined the United States Marine Corps and served two and a half years in the Pacific Theater during World War II — he served as a gunner on the aircraft carrier Bon Homme Richard. Upon his return he attended Kenyon College, and subsequently found his break in acting and comedy.
 

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evenng, ML...((HUGS))...glad to hear Lynn-Dah is doing better.

Recital plans all in place? Only 3 weeks away.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Mac...*HUGS*...ready to tackle the new week?

You and Mrs MacNessa rested up?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Little ones are really good with surprises. d:o)

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

SkyDancer if you want to laugh yourself silly please watch George Gobel on the tonight show with johnny Carson.You will never forget it.Let me know what you think please.

[ConorMacNessa]

A full day today, Kathy! I did some serious pruning and Spring cleanup in both gardens. I fear this harsh Winter has taken many of my long-standing roses.

The activity has done me good, I'm sure, but, needless to say, I'm feeling it! :)

I'm off the Behnke's next weekend for some new candidates.

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[Silentgypsy]

The first time I saw Jonathan Winters was when I was a kid and he guested on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. Johnny begged him to stop for a commercial break, stating that they were ten minutes over. Winters quipped, “We’re going to be twenty!”

[ConorMacNessa]

Good evening, Luv!

*HUGS*

It's great to see you this evening!

I can't recall having seen a funnier comedian than Jonathan Winters.

"Over the years that I enjoyed his comedy, I felt a personal connection with Jonathan Winters. I did some research and found out that he’d been a seagoing Marine aboard a battleship (USS Wisconsin) and an assault carrier (USS Bon Homme Richard) where he served as an anti-aircraft gunner in the battle for Okinawa and the assaults on mainland Japan. His service was honorable all the way and I read several interviews in which he reflected—with his usual comic take—on his service as a Marine. There was humor but there was also respect. Jonathan Winters was proud to have served and he knew that there are no ex-Marines."

Serving in the waters off Okinawa as an anti-aircraft gunner - Kamikazes coming in.

'Nuff said!

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Michael.SF......he still had his humor.

Thanks for the link.

[2CAVTrooper]

From back in a time when Hollywood was full of patriots like Jonathan Winters

· Stewart Hayden, US Marines and OSS.
· James Stewart, US Army Air Corps.
· Ernest Borgnine, US Navy.
· Ed McMahon, US Marines.
· Telly Savalas, US Army.
· Walter Matthau, US Army Air Corps.
· Steve Forrest, US Army.
· Paul Newman, US Navy.
· Kirk Douglas, US Navy.
· Robert Mitchum, US Army.
· Dale Robertson, US Army.
· Henry Fonda, US Navy.
· John Carroll, US Army Air Corps.
· Lee Marvin, US Marines.
· Art Carney, US Army.
· Wayne Morris, US Navy.
· Rod Steiger, US Navy.
· Tony Curtis, US Navy.
· Larry Storch, US Navy.
· Forrest Tucker, US Army.
· Robert Montgomery, US Navy.
· George Kennedy, US Army.
· Mickey Rooney, US Army
· Denver Pyle, US Navy.
· Burgess Meredith, US Army Air Corps.
· DeForest Kelley, US Army Air Corps.
· Robert Stack, US Navy.
· Neville Brand, US Army.
· Tyrone Power, US Marines.
· Charlton Heston, US Army Air Corps.
· Danny Aiello, US Army.
· James Arness, US Army.
· Efram Zimbalist, Jr., US Army.
· Mickey Spillane, US Army Air Corps.
· Rod Serling, US Army.
· Gene Autry, US Army Air Corps.
· Wiliam Holden, US Army Air Corps.
· Alan Hale Jr, US Coast Guard.
· Harry Dean Stanton, US Navy.
· Russell Johnson, US Army Air Corps.
· William Conrad, US Army Air Corps.
· Jack Klugman, US Army.
· Frank Sutton, US Army.
· Jackie Coogan, US Army Air Corps.
· Tom Bosley, US Navy.
· Claude Akins, US Army.
· Chuck Connors, US Army.
· Harry Carey Jr., US Navy.
· Mel Brooks, US Army.
· Robert Altman, US Army Air Corps.
· Pat Hingle, US Navy.
· Fred Gwynne, US Navy.
· Karl Malden, US Army Air Corps.
· Earl Holliman, US Navy.
· Rock Hudson, US Navy.
· Harvey Korman, US Navy.
· Aldo Ray, US Navy.
· Don Knotts, US Army.
· Don Rickles, US Navy.
· Harry Dean Stanton, US Navy.
· Robert Stack, US Navy.
· Soupy Sales, US Navy.
· Lee Van Cleef, US Navy.
· Clifton James, US Army.
· Ted Knight, US Army.
· Jack Warden, US Navy, 1938-1942, then US Army, 1942-1945.
· Don Adams, US Marines.
· James Gregory, US Navy and US Marines.
· Brian Keith, US Marines.
· Fess Parker, US Navy and US Marines.
· Charles Durning. US Army.
· Raymond Burr, US Navy.
· Hugh O’Brian, US Marines.
· Robert Ryan, US Marines.
· Eddie Albert, US Coast Guard.
· Clark Gable, US Army Air Corps.
· Charles Bronson, US Army Air Corps.
· Peter Graves, US Army Air Corps.
· Buddy Hackett, US Army.
· Victor Mature, US Coast Guard.
· Jack Palance, US Army Air Corps.
· Robert Preston, US Army Air Corps.
· Cesar Romero, US Coast Guard. Coast Guard.
· Norman Fell, US Army Air Corps.
· Jason Robards, US Navy.
· Steve Reeves, US Army.
· Dennis Weaver, US Navy.
· Robert Taylor, US Navy.
· Randolph Scott, Tried to enlist in the Marines but was rejected due to injuries sustained in US Army, World War One.
· Ronald Reagan, US Army.

John Wayne was declared 4F medically unfit but tried to enlist in the Army, Marines and Film Corps.

[Mears]

Everyone served in those days——every guy I knew went into the service.

.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Welcome to the Canteen, 2CAVTrooper.....patriots, all...so unlike today’s crop of “stars” who haven’t a clue.

[yarddog]

Richard Todd, 6th British Parachute Regiment.

[2CAVTrooper]

Yeah, it seems to be fewer and fewer each year.

When I graduated from high school, I was one of only 4 to join the military out of the 150 in my class.

[ConorMacNessa]

Good evening, 2CAVTrooper! Thanks very much for your service to our Nation! Thanks as well for your posting of this roster of Hollywood luniaries who answered the call during WWII!

I believe Bob Hope and others who did not wear the uniform yet served in other ways should be acknowledged as well.

Damn few of them now - Gary Sinese and a few others. God Bless them for their support of our Gallant Troops!

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[luvie]

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is one of my favorite movies. He was brilliant in it and I loved his wicked imagination.

The fact that he was a Marine, too...well, that’s the icing on the “fruitcake” as it were! :)

[The Mayor]

Good, when will Spring arrive for you?

[ConorMacNessa]

He was brilliant in that movie - it's been ages since I've seen it, but I remember it well!

Our Hall of Heroes is rolling in the aisles this evening as Jonathan Winters entertains his Brothers and Sisters-in-Arms!

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[ConorMacNessa]

My Father, like many others in those days, skipped his last semester of High School - he had enough credits to graduate - enlisted and went to Boot Camp - walked at his commencement wearing the uniform of a sailor in the U.S. Navy.

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks for the list, and you are welcome.

[ConorMacNessa]

Good evening, ML!

*HUGS*

I've been out of contact recently - lots of things going on - I hope all is well with you - and I hope Lynn-Dah is as well!

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)