James McEachin, who played the Army veteran...

"As a young man, James McEachin served in the United States Army before, and then during, the Korean War. Serving in King Company, 24th U.S. Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, he was wounded (nearly fatally) in an ambush and left for dead. He was rescued by a young blond boy who carried him for two days and many miles over difficult terrain and nearby gunfire to safety before disappearing from McEachin's life forever. McEachin was one of only two soldiers to survive the ambush. He was awarded both the Purple Heart and Silver Star."

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David Upton