RIP Charles Durning-Actor and Soldier

bruno

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Hollywood lost a classic yesterday- Charles Durning passed away at 89. His song and dance as the Governor from "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" is timeless- and is the perfect depiction of the American Politician. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLqKVnNpQ4s

Less well known- he landed in Normandy in the first wave of D-Day with the First ID and was a POW from the Battle of the Bulge. He won the Silver Star and 3 Purple Hearts.
"In later years, he refused to discuss the military service for which he was awarded the Silver Star and three Purple Hearts. “Too many bad memories,” he told an interviewer in 1997. “I don’t want you to see me crying.”
He will be buried at Arlington
RIP Charles Durning.
 
He was a regular on the National Memorial Day Concert. He and Ozzie Davis hosted for many years. It was great to have WWII vets hosting but, alas, time is taking it's toll.
 
Born in Highland Falls, NY in 1923. What a life.

More from the AP article:
Barely survvied World War II
Durning's rugged early life provided ample material on which to base his later portrayals. He was born into an Irish family of 10 children in 1923, in Highland Falls, N.Y., a town near West Point. His father was unable to work, having lost a leg and been gassed during World War I, so his mother supported the family by washing the uniforms of West Point cadets.
The younger Durning himself would barely survive World War II.
In tribute to his heroism during World War II, on Nov. 11, 2009 – Veterans Day – the Town of Highlands honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award and unveiled a portrait to be hung in the Highland Falls library. As part of the 2009 ceremony, Cook's Lane, the location of the Durning Homestead, was changed to Charles E. Durning Way.
He was among the first wave of U.S. soldiers to land at Normandy during the D-Day invasion and the only member of his Army unit to survive. He killed several Germans and was wounded in the leg. Later he was bayoneted by a young German soldier whom he killed with a rock. He was captured in the Battle of the Bulge and survived a massacre of prisoners.
In later years, he refused to discuss the military service for which he was awarded the Silver Star and three Purple Hearts.
“Too many bad memories,” he told an interviewer in 1997. “I don't want you to see me crying.” Tragedy also stalked other members of his family. Durning was 12 when his father died, and five of his sisters lost their lives to smallpox and scarlet fever.
A high school counselor told him he had no talent for art, languages or math and should learn office skills. But after seeing “King Kong” and some of James Cagney's films, Durning knew what he wanted to do.
Leaving home at 16, he worked in a munitions factory, on a slag heap and in a barbed-wire factory.
Durning and his first wife had three children before divorcing in 1972. In 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Amelio.
In addition to Gregory, he is survived by his children, Michele, Douglas and Jeannine. The family planned to have a private family service and burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
 
RIP Charles Durning....

There are not only Americans, but young Americans, who could ;earn from a truw hero and gentleman, like Mr. Durning.

God Bless and Good Speed,

RGK
 
A great and humble man who entertained us for many years. He always controlled the screen when he was on. The quotes from his many appearances are timeless and too many to mention. Arlington is fitting. RIP
 
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