The real deal...
James Arness was "rather" familiar with the use of firearms fired in anger, his acting career quite aside. I suppose he carried an M1 in Italy, though perhaps because of his physical size he might have been a BAR man. From Wikipedia:
Arness wanted to be a naval fighter pilot, but he felt his poor eyesight would bar him. His height of 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) ended his hopes, since 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) was the limit for aviators. Instead, he was called for the Army and reported to Fort Snelling, Minnesota in March 1943.[4]
Arness served as a rifleman with the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division, and was severely wounded during Operation Shingle, at Anzio, Italy.[6]
According to James Arness – An Autobiography, he landed on Anzio Beachhead on January 21, 1944 as a rifleman with 2nd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division. Due to his height, he was the first ordered off his landing craft to determine the depth of the water; it came up to his waist.[4]
On January 29, 1945, having undergone surgery several times, Arness was honorably discharged. His wounds continued to bother him, and in later years Arness suffered from acute leg pain,[1] which sometimes hurt when mounting a horse.
His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart;[1] the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars, the World War II Victory Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
I knew he was a combat vet, and even as a youngster watching "Gunsmoke" on B&W TV, appreciated that.
Adieu, old friend.
