Combat - the Standard Combat! have not seen it since 1966/1967. But I remember it as a most realistic, exciting and emotional TV series developed by Hollywood at the time. As a 10 year old I was fascinated by the exploits of SGT Saunders and the squad of sometimes, dirty, dazed, exhausted and fallible soldiers battling through the country side and villages of post D-Day France and NOT glorifying War. I remember, the sound of the Artillery rounds "soaring" in over head! the classic Black & White look and the great sound and music. There was lots of action. However, the show focused on the individual soldier and how he dealt with the war at a personal level and as part of a team (the squad). I agree with those above that there were some brilliant episodes. There were also a some unbelievable ones like the time Saunders fought a Tank single handed to save the guest star who was down the road with a flat tire. Even my mother thought that episode was unbelievable. However, the majority contained terrific scripts, superb direction, some great-acting and believable characters. Yes,the guest stars nearly all got killed and in real War the guys in the squad would have been killed or injured on many occasions, but hey its Hollywood! In the scheme of Hollywood TV entertainment Combat is a true TV classic. It set a high standard in Direction, script's, acting, and production values. The series regulars were superb in their roles. Vic Morrow (SGT Saunders),Rick Jason (LT Hanley), Jack Hogan (Kirby & his BAR), Piere Jalbert(Caje), Dick Peabody (Littlejohn) and Conlan Carter(Doc). "Caje, take the point". Yep, and the the Germans seemed to actually speak German. So what if they were plastic copies, and they were so easily blown out of their trenches and half-tracks. The thing was we didn't know what they were saying? Whatever it was, it was bad news for the Squad. I believe that Jack Hogan, who played Kirby is still around, well done mate, good job!
Regards Pete H,Sydney Australia