In the golden age of television, few shows captured the grit, humanity, and relentless tension of war like Combat!. Premiering on October 2, 1962, on ABC, this groundbreaking series became the longest-running World War II drama in television history, airing for five seasons and 152 episodes. With its realistic portrayal of the lives of American soldiers during the war, Combat! left an indelible mark on the genre and remains a touchstone for war dramas to this day. This was my favorite by far. 

The brainchild of Robert Pirosh, an Academy Award-winning screenwriter known for his realistic war stories like Battleground (1949), Combat! was conceived as a gritty, character-driven drama. Pirosh envisioned a series that would follow a squad of American soldiers from the D-Day landings to the liberation of Paris. His commitment to authenticity and human vulnerability was evident in the pilot episode, "A Day in June," which depicted the harrowing events of D-Day. 

Right: Rick Jason as Lt. Gil Hanley and Vic Morrow and Sgt. Chip Saunders. Source: Wikimedia.

However, the journey to the small screen was not without its challenges. After the pilot was completed, ABC and producer Selig J. Seligman made significant changes, including replacing Pirosh with Robert Blees as the series producer. Despite these hurdles, the show was greenlit for a 30-episode first season, and the rest, as they say, is history. Combat! stood out for its unflinching depiction of the harsh realities of war. The series followed the lives of a small squad of American soldiers fighting in France, led by the stoic Lieutenant Gil Hanley (played by Rick Jason) and the rugged Sergeant "Chip" Saunders (portrayed by Vic Morrow). The two actors alternated as the lead in each episode, providing a dynamic perspective on the squad's experiences.

The show's commitment to realism extended to its production. The cast underwent a week of basic training at Fort Ord, where they learned to handle live grenades, navigate obstacle courses, and endure the rigors of military life. This training paid off, as the actors brought a level of authenticity to their roles that resonated with audiences. The series also employed military advisors to ensure accuracy in its scripts and staging. From the meticulously recreated German uniforms to the use of authentic military tactics, Combat! set a new standard for war dramas. The show's directors, including the legendary Robert Altman, pushed the boundaries of television storytelling with cinematic techniques and a focus on character-driven narratives.

Over its five-season run, Combat! evolved from a black-and-white drama to a full-color spectacle in its final season. Despite the shift to color, the series maintained its high standards of storytelling and production. The move to color presented new challenges, such as the need for original footage due to the lack of usable stock material, but the show's creative team rose to the occasion.

The series was lauded for its complex characters and moral dilemmas, which set it apart from other war dramas of the time. Episodes often explored themes of sacrifice, camaraderie, and the psychological toll of war, offering a nuanced portrayal of the human condition. Combat! not only captivated audiences during its original run but also found new life in syndication. Its influence can be seen in subsequent war dramas, and it remains a favorite among fans of the genre. The show's dedication to authenticity and storytelling earned it critical acclaim, with the episode "Survival" being ranked #74 on TV Guide's list of the 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time. 

The Men of King Company: A Closer Look at the Characters and Actors of Combat!

The enduring legacy of the television series Combat!, which premiered on October 2, 1962, is rooted not only in its realistic depiction of World War II but also in its profound character development. While the show presented the grim realities of infantry life in France, it was the soldiers of King Company's second platoon—and the talented actors who portrayed them—that gave the series its heart and soul. The narrative centered on a core group of men whose personal struggles, camaraderie, and humanity formed the emotional bedrock of the show.  A unique structural element of Combat! was its alternating lead format, with episodes focusing on either the platoon leader, Lieutenant Gil Hanley, or the squad sergeant, Chip Saunders. This approach provided two distinct perspectives on command and survival. 

Below: (Left) Series opening theme and graphics. (Right)  Season 1, complete first episode. Source YouTube.

Rick Jason as 2nd Lt. Gil Hanley:
Rick Jason portrayed Lieutenant Gil Hanley, the commanding officer of the platoon. Hanley was often depicted as a more cerebral leader, burdened by the strategic responsibilities of command. His character was frequently shown grappling with the ethical weight of sending men into harm's way, translating cold orders from headquarters into life-or-death missions for his platoon. Jason, a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, brought a sense of quiet authority and weariness to the role. His performance captured the isolation of leadership, portraying Hanley as a man who had to maintain a professional distance while caring deeply for the soldiers under his command. Episodes centered on Hanley often explored the broader strategic context of their patrols and the difficult choices that defined the officer's experience. 

Vic Morrow as Sgt. "Chip" Saunders:
Vic Morrow’s portrayal of Sergeant "Chip" Saunders became one of the most iconic in television history. Saunders was the hardened, battle-weary squad leader who led from the front. His character was the quintessential antihero, a man hollowed out by the relentlessness of war but fiercely protective of his men. Morrow, who also directed several episodes, imbued Saunders with a raw, intense energy. Viewers witnessed the psychological toll of constant combat through his eyes—the haunted expressions, the cynical exterior, and the moments of profound, unspoken compassion. He was the anchor of the squad, the man they looked to in the heat of battle. Morrow's Saunders was defined by his actions and his grit, a stark contrast to Hanley’s more strategic role, and his character arc was a continuous struggle to retain his humanity amidst the brutality. 

The Core Squad: The Men Who Fought Alongside

Beyond its two leads, Combat! featured a consistent supporting cast that provided texture and emotional depth. These soldiers were not anonymous "cannon fodder" but developed individuals who the audience came to know over five seasons.

Pierre Jalbert as PFC Paul "Caje" LeMay:
As the Cajun soldier PFC Paul LeMay, nicknamed "Caje," French-Canadian actor Pierre Jalbert brought a unique presence to the squad. Fluent in French, Caje often served as the unit's translator, bridging the gap between the American G.I.s and the French civilians they encountered. This role made him indispensable and placed him at the center of many human-interest storylines. Jalbert, who had served in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets during the war, gave Caje a thoughtful and steady demeanor, making him a reliable and calming presence within the often-tense squad dynamic. 

Right: U.S. Army soldiers who will live forever. From left to right: Littlejohn, Kirby, Caje, and Saunders.

Jack Hogan as PFC William G. Kirby:
PFC William G. Kirby, played by Jack Hogan, was the squad’s brawler and BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) man. Initially a more antagonistic figure, Kirby evolved into a respected, if cynical, member of the team. Hogan, a U.S. Air Force veteran from the Korean War, portrayed Kirby with a tough-as-nails attitude, often questioning orders and clashing with Saunders. Yet, beneath the gruff exterior was an exceptionally competent soldier who could always be counted on when the fighting started. His character represented the archetypal tough guy who finds a sense of purpose and belonging in the crucible of combat. 

Dick Peabody as PFC "Littlejohn":
Contrasting with Kirby's fiery personality was PFC "Littlejohn," the gentle giant of the squad, portrayed by Dick Peabody. A former U.S. Navy man, Peabody stood at an imposing height, which made his character’s quiet, good-natured disposition all the more memorable. Littlejohn was often the moral compass of the group, a simple, rural man who brought a sense of calm and decency to the chaos surrounding them. His character arc was subtle, focused on maintaining his core values in a world that sought to strip them away. 

Conlan Carter as "Doc":
The role of the medic was essential, and Conlan Carter, who joined in the second season, made the character of PFC "Doc" his own. He was the caregiver, the man who patched up the squad's wounds, both physical and emotional. Carter's portrayal earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1964. He depicted "Doc" as a man constantly facing the limits of his ability to save lives, a role that required both clinical detachment and deep empathy. 

The classic TV series Combat! featured an impressive roster of guest stars throughout its run, with many appearing as additional squad members, French citizens, or German soldiers. In its first season, rising talents like Ted Knight and Frank Gorshin made early appearances. Over the years, the show welcomed a mix of established stars and future Hollywood icons, including Nick Adams, Claude Akins, Eddie Albert, James Caan, Charles Bronson, Lee Marvin, and Robert Duvall. Other notable names included James Coburn, Beau Bridges, Dean Stockwell, Mickey Rooney, Leonard Nimoy, Telly Savalas, and Dennis Hopper. The series also showcased a variety of performers from different backgrounds, such as Ricardo Montalbán, Luise Rainer, and Ramón Novarro, adding depth and diversity to its storytelling.

Bibliography

"Combat!" Cast and Crew Credits for ANY Movie or TV Series. Accessed August 18, 2025. https://castfacts.com/combat/. 

"Combat!" The Movie Database. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/4316-combat.

"Combat!" The Movie Database. Accessed August 19, 2022. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/4316-combat/cast.

"Combat!" TVGuide.com. Accessed August 19, 2022. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/combat/episodes-season-1/1000036166/.