On July 8th, 2012 Ernest Borgnine crossed the bar, and passed away surrounded by his family. I know many tributes will be made to his Oscar and Emmy awards for acting. Maybe even a few passing comments will be made to his very real US Navy service when they discuss his leading role on McHale’s Navy. To me his USN service is one of the greatest things about Chief Borgnine, and a thing to be celebrated.
The Chief joined the United States Navy in 1935, and was trained as a Gunner’s Mate. He had a short break in service in 1941, but re-enlisted directly after Pearl Harbor and served until the end of the war in 1945. Chief promoted to GM1 over the course of his ten years of service. He served aboard the destroyer USS Lamberton during the course of the war and earned the military decorations: the Navy Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Chief Borgnine later became such a staunch supporter of the Navy and Navy families that he was given the honorary rating of GMC by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
Yes, then we have lost a great actor, but we have also lost a member of the greatest generation, and a Navy Combat Veteran. With that said, I will quote the Lone Sailor Memorial’s response to the passing of the Chief:
"Shipmate you stand relieved….we have the watch. Ring the Ship’s Bell: Chief Borgnine Departing."
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