A Rabbi whose friendship I have long cherished once said: "Judge the stature of a man by how much farther he helps others to see."
Rick Jason, you cast a long shadow:
"Shalom".

By Doug Bruton on Unrecorded Date:

I have to add an addendum...I stated I had met Mr. Jason at the Charlotte Film Fest...it was actually Memphis...I guess my memories are running together due to the shock. My best wishes and prayers to his family.

By Doug Bruton on Unrecorded Date:

I only met Mr. Jason one time...at the Charlotte Film Festival and I found him to be a very cordial and outgoing individual. I purchased his book from him and an he gave me an autographed photo. He also graciously agreed to pose with me for a picture. I had always enjoyed his performances so much and I was not disappointed in meeting him in person. He appeared to be so upbeat and I was deeply saddened to hear of his death. I too believe in reincarnation and I am sure I will again have the opportunity to see him again. I look forward to that possibility.

By Hector Graniera Saturday October 28-2000 on Unrecorded Date:

To the Rick family members and all friends"My deepest sympathies and prayers" Rest in peace for ever Ever My Leutenant... Tengo 47 años y toda mi vida me considere un soldado de la patrulla del Teniente Hanley Cada vez que me entero que alguien de la patrulla muere siento que muere un hermano muere parte de mi fantasia de niño.Lamente la perdida del Sargento Saunders y de Littlejhon pero aun tengo a Cage a Kirby y al Doc para seguir peleando Hector Graniera -Sarmiento 728 Escobar(1625)-Buenos Aires ARGENTINA.

By C. W. Ivy on Unrecorded Date:

I was priviledged to meet Rick at the Memphis Film Festival in August. We talked about hunting, gun collecting, Combat, and even Vietnam. He talked about cooking and recipes with my wife and laughingly apologized to her because I had told him I had about 90 hours of Combat on tape. We are saddened by his death.

By Len Cole on Unrecorded Date:

I was saddened to hear of Rick's untimely passing.
When I was in the Army overseas in the early 1960's the AFRTS brought weekly COMBAT! episodes to us GI's. It almost became mandatory to watch it. We always had discussions about it the next day. It really helped me, when as still a teenager, I became a buck sergeant. It provided additional training for me. I hardly ever watch TV, but in January, 2000, I discovered COMBAT! on Movieplex/Encore. I started taping the episodes and gave them to my son for he and his son's to watch. Soon, I realized there were very important character-building attributes in each episode. I began labeling each episode's theme, such as, "telling the truth", "following a leader." Since the re-runs were cancelled in July, I have been at a loss on what to do about getting COMBAT! back on cable. It is a timeless series. It was only this week I discovered this web site and the news of Rick Jason's death. If I would have known about RECON 2000 I would have been there. For those of you who were part of the episode I salute you. You have no idea how you have helped many young people build character through your series. My sympathy to Rick's family.

By S.Denman on Unrecorded Date:

What an unimaginable shock, so soon after after Recon 2000. I remember him saying "I hope I'm around for the next 5 recons. Someone once said "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away". Perhaps this is what such a vibrant, outgoing, energetic person as himself could not comtemplate--
just fading away into his dotage. I'm not good at expressing myself but I wish to say my sympathies and tears are for Rick Jason's family and his beloved wife Cindy, indeed for all who knew him. Words are inadequate.
To Cindy Jason, bless you for keeping at him to write down his life story. what a loss if he had not.
Even tho' Rick did not believe in God, I feel somehow that all 3 of them, Vic, Rick and Dick are relaxing somewhere together under the watchful eye of their Creator--maybe at a French cafe gettig ready to go out on patrol one last time.
To Rick Jason, wherever you are, "we're waiting for our orders, Lt."

By David Onley on Unrecorded Date:

My thoughts and prayers are with Rick and his family. As a boy I grew up with Combat! and only recently re-discovered it on cable. I searched the web and found the official web site the weekend of Recon 2000. It was like catching up with old friends!
I had intended to contact Rick after the weekend to thank him for helping me understand my father's war experiences. Dad was a man of few words on WWII. In watching the reruns over the last several weeks, I'd come to appreciate Rick's role and in some meaningful way helped me understand something of what my Dad went through.
I just wanted to thank him for that but didn't get it written in time.
May it be a comfort to his family and friends to know he touched many lives for the better.
Blessings Rick and thanks,
David Onley

By WTF on Unrecorded Date:

Like many others, I became a fan of Combat from its first episode in 1962 when I was 19 years old. When Nostalgia (now GoodlifeTV) began showing reruns in the early '90's, I watched one show and was swept away again. All the members of the squad felt like older brothers to me, and my dream was to meet them one day. The timing was wrong for RECON 2000, but I promised myself that I would make it to the next reunion - and at long last, I would be able to meet the actors, especially Rick Jason. Sadly now, I and many, many others will never get that chance.

He seemed to be a man so full of life and love of so many things and people. My thoughts and prayers go daily to Rick and Cindy and their family.

I'm glad he came into our lives, whether in person or on film.

By mike on Unrecorded Date:

I just started watching combat a few weeks ago on the history channel. I immediately like the show and am saddenned that a man I was just getting to know past away. I hope he is in a better place now. All my sympathies to his family. Michael Connors, Canada

By J.R. Miller on Unrecorded Date:

I watched Combat from the start in 62 at the age of 13. Little did I realize in 5 short years I would be in combat myself. I think a lot of us in Viet-nam compared our experiences in combat with the T.V. series. Rick did his part first in WWII and then inspiring the Nam soldier. Believe me there was not a whole lot to inspire us.

By sonny michaels on Unrecorded Date:

Diane,

That's a very poignant, wonderful post. Thanks for your thoughts. Obviously, I only knew Rick from Combat!, but you make me feel as if I could have.

Cheers,

Mike Sonnessa aka Sonny Michaels

By Diane Zapanta Elder on Unrecorded Date:

As a young girl in the '60s, I can honestly say that I never watched Combat. I knew Rick because he went hunting and fishing with my father. I would like to share with his many grieving fans the Rick Jason that I knew from childhood. Rick had an enormous ego and an enormous heart. He could be abrasive and opinionated and tender and sweet. He was compelled to tell you exactly what he thought about whatever subject you happened to be discussing and, if he didn't agree with your beliefs, he could argue with you until you were exhausted. He had a booming voice that could intimidate you if you didn't know him...and sometimes even if you did. He could be extremely sarcastic and tell you things about yourself that you'd rather not hear but always with a twinkle in his eye and an absence of malice in his heart. He was the consummate dramatist, even in everyday life, taking you to the edge of discomfort, and then bringing you safely back. He was never boring...and never still. When he wasn't acting, he was hunting...or fishing, or cooking, or writing, or collecting wine, or answering fan mail or simply being a marvellous raconteur. In death, as in life, he invested huge amounts of himself in everything he did. I attended his wedding 17 years ago to his lovely Cinderella and discovered to my amazement that he had catered the entire affair himself. At his funeral on Sunday I found myself dining on the antelope that he had shot last month in Wyoming. I did not know the spiritual side of Rick and therefore I have some trouble imagining him in heaven. That is not to say that he couldn't get in...it's just that his gifts were so much of this earth, its adventures, its fruits, its pleasures. He fully occupied his space on this planet and I think he would have done well to have stuck around longer. If the reincarnation that he believed in is true, then I'm sure that he is already back here, holding audiences spellbound in some past or future time and place. Unfortunately for us, there is no replacement for him in the here and now.

By valentinelaura on Unrecorded Date:

Upon checking THE site last week for RECON news I was devastated by the news of Rick Jason. As a former Hospice volunteer we are taught to share with the despondent and terminally ill and most are able to look forward to the challenges each day brings. Teenagers are ofter easier to talk to about problems as they wear their hearts on their sleeves and the hardest souls to help are those who keep everything bottled up. Our RECON group consists of some great folks who perhaps would have been able to help had they known. Every day is a gift from God and a blessing to those whom we can share HIS love. GOD loves Rick. Amen

By David P. Lee on Unrecorded Date:

Firstly, my sincerest condolences to Rick's family members in their hour of shock and unbearable greif. May God grant you peace. Most people really don't realize that Rick Jason was a role model to a generation of REAL lieutenants, who decided to become officers in the U.S. Army, due to the positive image of leadership displayed by Rick. I watched my father, an officer in Pattons Third Army, react to scenes in Combat!, and I realized that what we saw together was, in many respects, accurate and true. I feel like I did when I lost my father. We have lost a wonderful leader, in every sense of the word, a friend, a teacher to me and all of the other officers who wanted to emulate his style of leadership. To them, and other veterans who were inspired by Rick Jason, "charlie mike"....

By J Deighton on Unrecorded Date:

On hearing the sad news of Rick Jason's death, I wanted to share some of my impressions of him with fellow fans as a way of expressing my appreciation for his having provided me with so much enjoyment.

Circa 1960, I was at an age when I was beginning to develop a vocabulary of grown-up words, among them, "debonair". I happened to see an episode of "The Case of Dangerous Robin" wherein Rick Jason played the role of Robin Scott and I INSTANTLY connected a concept with an image - from that moment onward, Rick Jason as Robin Scott came to define "debonair" for me (and still does, James Bond notwithstanding!!)

I recently discovered both this web site and a cable station that airs Combat episodes daily. It has been a great pleasure to rediscover this series after so many years. As I re-viewed the episodes, and Season Four in particular, it occurred to me that Rick Jason appeared to inform the Hanley role with aspects of Rick Jason the man - how else does one explain the intelligence and wit with which he imbues some of those episodes? (Sorry, but I do not have explicit examples at my fingertips, but I am sure this has resonance for many fans.) Rick brought a subtle, almost enigmatic quality to the Hanley character that leaves the viewer with a great deal of scope for "reading in" - the not-quite-even gaze, the hint of a twinkle in the eye, the imperfectly masked twitch around the mouth - always disclosing enough, never too much. The juxtaposition of this gleaned, reined in complexity and sophistication with the on-the-surface straightforwardness required of a lieutenant in the circumstances is, for me, what is endlessly intriguing and appealing in the Hanley character. This calibre of character portrayal is rarely matched in contemporary programming.

The greatest tribute to the brilliance and effectiveness of the Combat series is that it appeals as much to the adult viewer, albeit on a different level, almost forty years down the road, as it did to us as children in the '60's. Rick Jason was undeniably a major contributor to this enduring legacy.

As I continue to think about Rick the following lines from Shakespeare strike me as apt: in "The Tempest", the magician Prospero says,"We are such stuff/As dreams are made on; and our little life/Is rounded with a sleep;"

I hope that Rick finds in death the peace that seems to have eluded him in life.

By J Deighton on Unrecorded Date:

On hearing the sad news of Rick Jason's death, I wanted to share some of my impressions of him with fellow fans as a way of expressing my appreciation for his having provided me with so much enjoyment.

Circa 1960, I was at an age when I was beginning to develop a vocabulary of grown-up words, among them, "debonair". I happened to see an episode of "The Case of Dangerous Robin" wherein Rick Jason played the role of Robin Scott and I INSTANTLY connected a concept with an image - from that moment onward, Rick Jason as Robin Scott came to define "debonair" for me (and still does, James Bond notwithstanding!!)

I recently discovered both this web site and a cable station that airs Combat episodes daily. It has been a great pleasure to rediscover this series after so many years. As I re-viewed the episodes, and Season Four in particular, it occurred to me that Rick Jason appeared to inform the Hanley role with aspects of Rick Jason the man - how else does one explain the intelligence and wit with which he imbues some of those episodes? (Sorry, but I do not have explicit examples at my fingertips, but I am sure this has resonance for many fans.) Rick brought a subtle, almost enigmatic quality to the Hanley character that leaves the viewer with a great deal of scope for "reading in" - the not-quite-even gaze, the hint of a twinkle in the eye, the imperfectly masked twitch around the mouth - always disclosing enough, never too much. The juxtaposition of this gleaned, reined in complexity and sophistication with the on-the-surface straightforwardness required of a lieutenant in the circumstances is, for me, what is endlessly intriguing and appealing in the Hanley character. This calibre of character portrayal is rarely matched in contemporary programming.

The greatest tribute to the brilliance and effectiveness of the Combat series is that it appeals as much to the adult viewer, albeit on a different level, almost forty years down the road, as it did to us as children in the '60's. Rick Jason was undeniably a major contributor to this enduring legacy.

As I continue to think about Rick the following lines from Shakespeare strike me as apt: in "The Tempest", the magician Prospero says,"We are such stuff/As dreams are made on; and our little life/Is rounded with a sleep;"

I hope that Rick finds in death the peace that seems to have eluded him in life.

By Con on Unrecorded Date:

A sad thing,,about a man passing. Me and my brothers used to look forward to the opening sequence of Combat. My dad watched it with us. He saw a lot of action in WW2. He never cut up on it..Guess that means it was kinda close to good.
Anyway...what a shame. Rick Jason must of portrayed the part pretty good, or else my Dad would of said otherwise. Rick, rest in pease. You were a good actor. Greg

By John Sullivan on Unrecorded Date:

I am so sorry at your loss which is all of our loss. Last year at this time I had a friend who commited suicide also still to this day I have no answers as to why some people choose this course when there is so much life to live. My father was in World War II he was an infantry man and was in North Africa, Sicily and then Italy. He liked to watch the TV show Combat with me in the 60's later years I joined the army also I was in the 9th Infantry division. I hope someday I could still be able to meet the other cast members of the show. I feel at such a loss by not being able to have met Mr. Jason. Once again my sincerist prayers for him and his wife Cindy.

By Mike Watkins on Unrecorded Date:

I attended Recon 2000 with my daughter and if it weren't for Jo and Bill Gates my 36 yr. dream would never have taken place. Meeting the entire squad was unbelievable as is Rick's passing.I still can't believe it. He seemed so cheerful, into everything that went on and made time for everyone.Would have loved to have gotten to know him better. My condolences to Cindy and his family and friends.He'll be sorely missed.

By sonny michaels on Unrecorded Date:

What can I say? Bummer. I can only hope Rick had found peace and say thanks for the memories Mr. Jason. My old man would have been his age, had he lived. He was born 04/02/23. So once again, I'm losing a connection to that generation and my own past. Godspeed, Lieutenant, SIR!

By Steve Sybert on Unrecorded Date:

So sad to hear about the passing of Mr. Jason. Made me remember how much I loved the show as a kid in the mid-60s. Would anyone happen to know if Combat is running anywhere on television right now? Would be great to see it again.

By Michael Murphy on Unrecorded Date:

Rick Jason was an outstanding actor. I've been a huge Combat! fan for years, and his work on the show was without a doubt one of the highlights! He was the model of an outstanding officer, and I'm sure this was reflected in Mr. Jason's private life as well. He will be missed.

By jeffwine on Unrecorded Date:

Rick will be missed, He always told me to buy full cases and never buy california wines they dont rate as well as french. i always debated that My deepest thoughts and prayers to you cindy. I hope you still keep the locker open, rick was a great man


jeff and debbie morris

By s.p.befera on Unrecorded Date:

I've known Rick since 1967...from the age of 9 years. We fished and hunted and played chess. He taught me about being a man and beleiving in myself. He lived fully, drinking heartily the sweet nectar of life. He knew art history, the behavior of animals...even killed a grizzly once...and he could prepare elk better than any man alive. Rick was a fabulous conversationalist and much much more. Rick is not dead. He lives inside of me.

By Jeannie Huttemann on Unrecorded Date:

COMBAT! The best of the best and, yet, the best isn't even good enough! There isn't a word to describe the show and the crew! There aren't even words to express how deeply saddened I feel at this moment. I have adored Combat since I was 13yrs old(I will be 50 in Jan). Every Tuesday at 7:30pm, the TV was MINE!! When I learned of Vic's death, I cried. When I recently learned of Dick's death, again the tears came! Now, I have that same "catch" in my throat I had for the others and the heavy heart I had with the others deaths and...yes, the tears!
I have to be honest here, I adore Conlan Carter! He is my "love" and I still have every belief that I will meet him. But, I am frightened! To lose someone close is a pain that I, or anyone for that matter, hates to have to endure. Cindy Jason and family...may God send you peace. Dick's wife and family...may God send you peace and to Vic's family...the peace that God offers to you as well. Love to you Lt. Hanley! I have a memorial built into my heart that I visit often and now, you are safe with the rest. Peace! Jeannie Huttemann

By saunders on Unrecorded Date:

I want to thank Cindy for taking the time to remember Rick's fans at this sad moment. I can only imagine how she must feel at the loss.

It is a sad time however he will live on in the hearts and minds of his friends, family and fans.

By capnhawk on Unrecorded Date:

Rick was a kind, warm, humorous, and engaging human being. I will always marvel at his talent, wit, energy, and eclectic style. To his wife, Cindy, and his legion of fans, we have lost one of our own - one of a kind. May we find strength in his enduring legacy and solace in the wonderful memories encapsulated within us. Good Rest, Friend...

By qqq guy on Unrecorded Date:

When as a young boy...watching combat...we always got a charge out of Lt. Hanley uttering those famous words..."Kirby, get the B.A.R. up here, on the double!"

By jhall on Unrecorded Date:

The best thing about "Combat" was that it reminds us that freedom is not free.

By jhall on Unrecorded Date:

The best thing about "Combat" was that it reminds us that freedom is not free.

By Rick Jason godbless on Unrecorded Date:

I am stund, shocked and saddend, and at this very moment...tearfull. Rick Jason was not only Lt. Hanley he was a childhood hero. As a small child, my friends and I were all wrapped up in Combat!. I remember it like it was yesterday....we would grab our gi-joe's from the closet and meet in Joey's backyard. Joey would always scream "I'm Sgt. Saunders!" and Randy would always say: "I'm Kirby!" and it didn't matter if I was the first one in the backyard with his Gi-Joe or the last....I always screamed out as loud as I could "I'M RICK JASON!"... It's strange how life takes and gives to us. Two weeks ago I was watching TV with my two sons 9 and 10. A few new cable channels had just been adde to our system the day before and I was thumbing threw them when I saw "COMBAT!" I just about jumped threw the roof! I looked at my boys and said "Get your Gi-Joe's guys!" we all ran for our rooms and gathered back in front of the TV. My youngest said: "I'm Cpt. Miller!" and my oldest said: "I'm Pvt. Ryan!" and I paused for a moment and very quietly said:... "I'm Rick Jason."..............

By Bill Roberts on Unrecorded Date:

Loss for words. May God bless his Soul.

By Graham Niven (M1928) on Unrecorded Date:

What a shock about Rick. I dropped in to see what was up here today for the first time in many months, and had no idea we'd lost Rick. To his family and fans, all I can say is hang in there, and be glad for all the good times Rick brought us all.

By Karon Booth (Zeal) on Unrecorded Date:

Since I was 13 the squad of Combat! has been an important part of my life. To Jack Hogan, Pierre Jalbert, Conlan Carter, and Tom Lowell, please allow me to express to each of you my sorrow for your sorrow and lose.

With my love and prayers.

Zeal.

By Robert Williamson/King Tiger on Unrecorded Date:

Rick, you were -- and you will always be -- an exemplary human being: open and giving in mind and soul, thoughtful, funny, creative, kind and sensitive.

Thank you so very much for sharing your generous and lively spirit with us all. Your physical presence may be gone, but you now live on in the hearts of your loving family, your friends, and your fans.

At ease, lieutenant; and peace, always.

By John P. Annett (Checkmateking6) on Unrecorded Date:

I was shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of Rick Jason. For a whole generation of young boys who grew up in the 1960’s he will be remembered always as Lt. Hanley. I hope he knew how much he was appreciated and admired by COMBAT! fans. Thank you for sharing a part of your life with all of us. May you rest in peace. Checkmate King Two this is Checkmate King Six, over and out.

By Medic 1 on Unrecorded Date:

I am truly at a loss for words. Have not slept since I heard what happened. Like most of you I am a big fan of the series and a bigger Rick Jason fan. Never thought that we would lose him like we did. I send my sincere condolences to his wife and will always treasure the memories that I have of watching this man in such a great t.v show. May God bless.

By Nancy LionStorm (349hvywpnscrew) on Unrecorded Date:

From my email exchanges with him and brief encounters at the Recon 2000, I'd like to offer this quotation, which typifies my impression of Rick Jason.

By sidney cheung on Unrecorded Date:

I am still in shock, my uncle is(was) a really open mind gentleman to me in every way, we haven't gone for fly fishing yet!~~why~~! For my uncle may you sleep in peace, I will pray for you on Monday(HK) as for my most respectable uncle; for my auntie I deeply wish you to go on, we are all here for you whenever and whatever you need, you know that! It is not easy, but lets work through it together. "today will be yesterday".

By Headquarters on Unrecorded Date:

"White Rook this is Checkmate King Two.....thank you for loyalty, dedication and devotion."

By Cindy Jason part 3 on Unrecorded Date:

It will be impossible to forget Rick. He was opinionated (try to tell him California makes some pretty good wine and you will see what I mean), had a great zest for life (when we first got married, I had to always ask him to act his age), a great hunger for knowledge (he was determined to graduate to a 9-year old computer idiot) and a big heart for everyone he came across (when he got good service he always told the person he/she would become the president of the company). He was a perfect gentleman--he still pulled the chair out for me every time we sat down for a meal.
As we are mourning for our loss, we must not forget that he had had a great life full of adventures. He had always felt very previleged that he was in "Combat!" which gave him opportunites to work with many talented actors and to communicate with so many of you who have watched the show. He hunted, he fished, he built furniture. He was a superb writer (if you don't agree, read his autography and judge for yourself). He was a fine actor. He had met presidents (of the United States) and generals and people from all walks of life and enjoyed every one of them. He had traveled all over the world (in style). He was married 5 times (and I got to keep him the longest). And now so many of us are crying over his death. How many people can boast even 5% of his accomplishments? I have loved him all our married life. Tears spring to my eyes whenever, "Oh, my God, he isn't here anymore." The house is quiet now and I miss him like hell. I am so furious I could kill him if he wasn't dead already.
My comfort is that he is resting in peace. Please join me in good wishes to him. Please remember that your love and devotion had given him a lot of comfort and pride. He will want us to remember him for what he was, and not the way he ended his life.
I thank all of you who have expressed support for me here. Your kind words mean a lot to me. Love to you all, Cindy

P.S. Please excuse any grammatical or typing errors here. It is 5 in the morning and I haven't slept many hours since Monday morning.

By Cindy Jason Part 2 on Unrecorded Date:

Many of you are probably asking why he took his own life. I have no answer for that. He was such a good actor that he even fooled me, his loving wife of almost 17 years. I can't tell you the pain and the anguish I am going through, but I feel relieved for Rick. If he felt so hopeless and so in pain, he was suffering. At least, now he is not suffering anymore.
On the day of his death, some of very close friends came over to be with me and took charge of the situation. In grief, I asked, "If this guy has to die, why can't he be just run over by a truck?" His dearest friend, Marty, said, "Because it is not dramatic enough."
Yes, our beloved Rick would have hated to die from natural ripe old age, a lingering illness or any disease that would make him forget he was ever in "Combat!".
Rick was 77. He was in good health. He had just returned from a fabulous "Combat!" reunion where he had a ball and where he was so touched and so amazed by your devotion and love. He was planning his next hunting trip. He had received requests for radio interviews that was 1/4 of a mile long. He was going to fix me crab cakes and quails for my birthday. Instead, he had left us for good on his own terms. Dramatic and hard to forgot.

By Cindy Jason on Unrecorded Date:

This is one of the most different letters I would ever have to write because my heart is breaking. But I want to thank all of you who have shown such love, care and devotion to our beloved Rick and your sympathy to me.
Sidney, Tammy, I saw your messages here and they brought more tears to my eyes. Yes, Rick-san loved you two very much. He was a great uncle who thought himself more of a good friend than an elder and he always had good things to say about you two. He was very proud of you. Don't you ever forget that.
Many of you have met Rick personally. He was everything all of you said he was and more. He was a loving, caring, devoted husband and family man. He was an only child and when we married he "adopted" my family immediately. Mine likewise. My parents don't speak a word of English. The first time we went home to visit them, Rick went to UCLA extension school to learn to speak Cantanese so he would be able to talk to them.

By Tom Cardinal on Unrecorded Date:

Andrea and I were both shocked and dismayed to hear of Rick's tragic death. It is truly unbelievable that he is gone ..... one who had accomplished so much and had so much to live for.
Both Andrea and I enjoyed his company immensely. He was a gracious host, a clever story teller, and a great guy.
To our fellow 'COMBAT !' fans, we extend our deepest sympathies. We all lost a friend.
We shall never forget you, Rick. May you rest in peace forever.

By Fred Brockman (Block) on Unrecorded Date:

I have already posted once about the loss of Rick Jason, and I don't know if this will reach them or not, but I would like for Jack Hogan, Pierre Jalbert, Conlan Carter and Tom Lowell to know how much I have enjoyed and appreciated their efforts. I figured I would say this while it was on my mind. I've seen you guys in different things, but none that meant more to me than Combat!. Your work has been a source of much pleasure and has also helped teach me some lessons about life. I'd like to thank each of you for the pleasure you have given me.
Thanks,
Block

By CClausen on Unrecorded Date:

Back in the 60's, I spent 5-1/2 years as a Jr. High & High School student in Venezuela (father was w/ an oil co.). "COMBAT" was very big down there (dubbed into Spanish,) and was in syndication and shown during primetime. I'll always remember an interview with Rick that I saw on TV.

He was passing thru the airport in Caracas, going from someplace to someplace else, and the media got wind that he had a layover there, so they rushed out to interview him. I'll always remember how pleased he seemed to be to find that he had tens of thousands of fans down there, probably where he least expected to find them. It was a 15 or 20 min. interview, and you could tell how suprised he was to find that everyone knew him down there. He did a wonderful job and represented himself and "COMBAT" extremely well, and he must've thanked everyone for all the unexpected attention he received 100 times! He was a gentleman, and he made all of us expats very proud to be an American.

He'll be sorely missed not only here in the good 'ol USA, but all over the world. God bless 'im!

By Richard Reilly on Unrecorded Date:

Thank you, Jo, for creating this incredible website, and showing Rick (and Pierre and Jack and Conlan and Tom) how many of us remember and appreciate their work. And the true depth of our feelings, for them as people and actors, and for the men they portray in that excellent television series. Ah Rick, and Vic, how I wish I could see you and the squad go out on patrol again and again and again! Thanks for the journey!

By Robert J. Pribish on Unrecorded Date:

I salute you Lt. Hanley. You have received your final orders. "K" Company will sorely miss Y O U! "Checkmate King Two...over and out!" {TAPS}

By Mark Hansen on Unrecorded Date:

Oh, man. It's hard to believe that Rick Jason is gone. The "grit" in his voice is something that I'll always remember. He just had a classic delivery. This is especially shocking since they just had the reunion in 'Vegas. I guess certain things can overwhelm the best of us, though. I hope his wife, Cindy, is getting the support that she needs during this incredibly difficult time. It's important for her to know that, even though we're strangers, we still grieve for her loss...

By Joan on Unrecorded Date:

To The Family:My Deepest Sympathies and Prayers.
Joan

By Rob Kassab on Unrecorded Date:

I never have had the pleasure of meeting Rick, but feel as though I know him from reading all of your comments about this beloved individual.

We will all miss him, along with Vic.....perhaps they are both together now up there somewhere, laughing about the good times they had filming Combat!

By Mr. BAR on Unrecorded Date:

I just visited this webpage to see what upcoming episodes were scheduled and quite taken aback by this sudden unexpected news. I am stunned and perplexed as for the reason behind Mr. Jason's passing. Although I am just a hopeless fan of the show itself, I wish to extend my condolences to his family and friends and wish them strength thru this very tough and confusing time for them.

By Nancy Parker on Unrecorded Date:

Words alone do not seem adequate to express the shock, sorrow and sense of loss I felt when I learned of Rick's death. I had the pleasure of meeting Rick at Comboat 96 and Recon 98, and again at his home in 1997. Although I had only met him those few times, he had a gift that allowed me to feel like I had known him forever. He put me, a little person, at ease even when I felt overwhelmed to be in the presence of a "famous person". He was truly a gifted man. I remember telling Cindy at Comboat that Rick was the quintessential gentleman. That statement still stands. He really was. They don't make them like Rick anymore. Cindy, please know that I grieve along with you. You, and Rick, are in my prayers. May he rest in peace. And Cindy, may you find some comfort in the fact that he gave so much pleasure to so many of us over the years. I'm glad that we fans were able to give him some pleasure as well. I will miss him. Give Foxy some hugs; I'm sure she misses him too. God bless.

By DOC'SPALS on Unrecorded Date:

WE WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO ALL
OF RICK'S FAMILY.WE HAD KNOWN HIM SINCE OUR
CHILDHOOD ON TV AND HAD THE GREAT PLEASURE TO
SHARE RECON 2000 WEEKEND WITH HIM.HE TRULY SEEMED LIKE SOMEONE WHO LIVED LIFE TO THE FULLEST.
WE WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH,BUT TREASURE HIS FILM
LEGACY. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY.

By Don Borja on Unrecorded Date:

As a young boy, my first glimpse of television were TV shows such as Bonanza, Red Skelton, Walt Disney and my favorite of which would be "Combat!!". I have to confess that I have no connection to Mr. Jason or have I ever met him. But I would like to take this time now to thank him for giving me the inspiration for what leadership and courage should be and for demonstrating how Americans dealt with those horrible events of WWII. Every week I was allowed to enter an era of history and gaze upon actors (many were actual veterans) portraying fear, sadness, anger, loneliness and death. All in all the American combat soldier possesed the ability to overcome the greatest odds and defeat the evil in Europe that held innocent people hostage and caused way too many deaths. For an actor's job is to thoroughly convince the audience, Rick Jason did more than that... he set an example for me to follow, and set a solid course in my life.

Thank You Mr Jason

Donald J. Borja, Indianapolis

By Ken Miller (Boxingguy) on Unrecorded Date:

During the Recon cruise on Lake Mead Rick signed a photo and wrote a note to my friend Jeff Corey. Jeff directed a few episodes of Combat! He remembered Jeff very well. I was going to go to Jeff's house in a couple of weeks to deliver the photo and note knowing how glad he would be to hear from his old friend Rick...Now Rick's gone and it will be so sad to give Jeff the photo...

By Sue Nielsen on Unrecorded Date:

My sincerest sympathies to Cindy, family members, friends, and fans. Having met Rick for the first time at Las Vegas, his warmth, humor, and generosity were unanticipated. What a wonderful man. He will be sorely missed by so very many people. Rest in peace, Rick.

By Mark Gaston on Unrecorded Date:

I too share the sentiments of many Combat fans across the country and around the globe regarding Rick Jason. He was truly the backbone of the series, not to mention a fine and wonderful actor.
The Heritage episode with Charles Bronson really punctuates the human sense of loss that Rick Jason
injected into his character. Particularly when Bronson is blown up in the episodes closing moments. I currently possess episodes of the TV
series on video. And with each viewing I am reminded of Vic Morrow's loss and undervalued greatness. And now I will be reminded of Rick Jason's with each and every viewing. I would also
like to convey a sincere wish of strength and hope
in this time of tragedy to the widow, Cindy Jason.
Look up to God for strength and help in this troubling hour. We all must go one day and we all
must face God for ourselves. God will help you if you call unto him. He is a willing and able friend who is a gentleman, a friend, and yes, a husband to the grieving widow.

By Susan Petersen (Sooz) on Unrecorded Date:

It was quite a shock to read of Rick Jason's death, especially so soon after Recon, and when so many of you were just with him. Many of my old friends from the Combat! list are in my thoughts at this time, as I share your grief. I read somewhere on these pages of Rick's belief in reincarnation - one which I share. This belief somehow makes death easier to bear, for we know that our loved ones live on and are still with us - just in another form. For Rick's family, my condolences.

By Randy Chloupek on Unrecorded Date:

What a loss to all COMBAT fans. Although no one knows what was going on in his thoughts, one thing is for sure, he must have known the love and devotion his fans had for him and we can all take comfort in that. I had recently written to him for an autograph and within just a week or so, he responded with just the nicest note and autographs. A little piece of my childhood died with Rick as I'm sure it did with all of his fans. May his God bless him and keep him.

By Sam Spritzer (Teknogeek9) on Unrecorded Date:

I am in total shock and disbelief. Although I did not know Rick personally nor met him, I felt he was a strong part of my childhood. I have been watching COMBAT! ever since I was 8 years old. I remember the war games I used to have with my friends in the woods near my home. And, I always insisted (and sometimes fought) to be Lt. Hanley. Those are still very clear vivid memories.

My condolences go out to Cindy. May he rest in peace. God bless the true COMBAT! hero I ever knew.

Sam

By Nancy Durgin on Unrecorded Date:

What can I say? I'm still in shock.

I counted Rick as a friend for these past four years, and he will be sorely missed. He will live on in COMBAT!, and in the hearts of his friends and fans.

My heart goes out to you, Cindy.

- Nancy Durgin

By Rita Hasburgh on Unrecorded Date:

After attending Recon 2000 and having the pleasure of meeting Rick, there is now a deep emptiness in my heart. In the Recon 2000 memory book, I finished Rick's bio with mention of his book and how fans would enjoy reading the book, learning more about this multifaceted individual who can be aptly described as "an officer and a gentlemen". Those words rang true when my husband and I boarded the bus for the boat trip and visit to Hoover Dam. Rick got on the bus and sat right behind us.

At first, I did not know how to begin a conversation and I had not had the opportunity to talk with him earlier during the weekend. Somehow we struck up a conversation that lead to Rick telling us stories about Las Vegas in the 60's, Frank Sinatra, and the conversation moved on to hunting and cooking, with Rick giving me pointers on how to cook wild game.

At no time, did we feel uncomfortable or was I aware that I was talking with someone who I had hoped to meet since I was a child. It was much like a conversation with a next-door neighbor.

It is so hard to imagine that the gentleman who made the extra effort to hold a conversation over the top of a bus seat and take the time to talk with us is gone. To his family, our hearts go out to you and Rick's memory will live within us.

By Carolyn Fansler on Unrecorded Date:

To the Family and Friends of Rick Jason: My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you.
Rick spent only a few short days with us, his fans from Combat, over the three reunions that we held. But in that short time, we formed a special bond with him. Ever since we were children in the 60s, we loved and admired Lt. Hanley. How wonderful it was to finally meet the man who portrayed him and feel an immediate affection for him. An affection that was returned wholeheartedly by Rick. He touched us so deeply - I have many memories of him that will always make me smile and bring a gladness to my heart. And I will always be thankful that at least for a little while, I knew him and loved him.

By P.J. on Unrecorded Date:

I was shocked and deeply saddened to read about the death of actor Rick Jason. It was through the TV series "COMBAT" that I knew of him. I remember that I was in the third grade when "COMBAT" first aired on ABC every tuesday night. The episodes were in black & white during those years. I remember the character Lt. Hanley was a strong willed character but he had compassionate and protective feelings towards his men. The episodes I remember most were the ones that Lt. Hanley and Sgt. Saunders worked as a team to get the squad throught the mission for that week. I have a few pre-recorded episodes of "COMBAT" on VHS, I think I will be watching them for a while. My prayers go out to Mr. Jason's wife and family, he will be dearly missed. May he rest in peace.

By David V on Unrecorded Date:

I just wanna give my condolences to the Family Of the greatest actor around Rick Jason. He was one the best actors of his time and he will be missed. If

By machturtle on Unrecorded Date:

I am glad I found you all because I really have no one to share my thoughts with on this. I just posted a message in the forum under Rick Jason: Kids. My name is Jamie and my mother was married to Rick throughout the Combat! years (1963-66) so I guess I am the closest Rick had to a real daughter. I was only 9 years old when they married and it was right when the Beatles were hitting the states. Rick gave me my first guitar, an old Spanish nylon string that used to be his. I didn't know better and painted it with green and red polka dots! He bought me my first Beatle album and encouraged me to become a musician which I did and was professional for 15 years. I later went into acting myself and oddly enough, ended up doing voiceovers which is what I hear Rick had been doing recently.
We had lost touch and I hadn't seen him since he and Cindy got married. I have never met her but I would like her to know I exist. If anybody is in touch with her, please give her my email address: machturtle@earthlink.net
I have many memories of Rick since he was a big part of my life contrary to the way my mom feels about it. Kids have a different perspective and he was there for me at a very critical time. I nearly changed my name legally to Jason and actually used that for awhile much to my real father's dismay (his ego was bruised I think). My real dad is gone now too.

I will end this by saying that I never felt comfortable about his penchant for guns. Maybe this will change some views around here about the proliferation of guns in this country. I'll tell you when I stopped playing music by the way....it was when John Lennon was murdered....another gun.

Thankyou for all your loving thoughts about Rick and for taking the time to care...

Jamie (Jason) Murray

By Steven Dawes TOMMYGUN on Unrecorded Date:

PART 2

The photos from that night don't do him justice. I got a hug I had
waited all my life for. It brought tears to my eyes. He then read my
name tag, and knew I was the fellow he had been writing to.
The next morning listening to the entire group talk about RECON was
such a joy. Then came the autograph session. Rick had to leave before I
got to him in line. He said he would sign everything the next day on the
cruise. I took only a few items, figuring I would send the rest in the
mail for him to sign at his leisure. He did sign my cover to HERITAGE,
my favorite episode. I then watched other people who didn't know who he
was asking for autographs. He approached a small group of severely
mentally challenged adults. He made sure each got a signed photo, and
said hi, etc. to all.
When we got back to the motel, Marta asked for a signature on her copy
of THE SARACEN BLADE. She explained it was one of her favorite books.
He seemed pleased anyone remembered he was even in the film. He then
said he would help her get a video copy of it. What wouldn't he do for
his fans.
My last contact came in the bar area. It was a hug I thought was
good-bye till the next RECON. I'm sorry I didn't realize he might be
reaching out to all of us for help.

I don't usually post such deep subjects on the list, as I'm no writer.
I also have a small disability expressing my emotions, etc. Then add I
am not the brightest of people. Thank you for helping me to work through
a time of great pain by reading this.

At the end of the episode THE LONG WAY HOME, Hanley replies to Saunders
"LETS DRINK TO OLD FRIENDS". Lets all drink to old friends for awhile. I
think Hanley, Saunders, and Lil John are all out together on patrol
again.

I love you Rick. I will miss you always.

TOMMYGUN-OUT

By Steven Dawes TOMMYGUN on Unrecorded Date:

PART 1

Hello ALL,

I think a lot of us need to remember that the Lt. was just a character.
Rick was the real man. I'd like to talk about the Rick I knew. That is
all I can comment on. Others knew him so much better than I, and his
other sides.
Up until say 20 months ago or so, I never had any contact with any of
the COMBAT! cast members. In the old COMBAT! chat room one night,
Othello mentioned she had an extra copy of Jo's book autographed by
Rick. It was from one of his signings. She got it for a friend who never
picked it up from her. It was made out to someone else, but I didn't
care. She shipped it on to Jo, for her autograph as well. My first true
COMBAT! prize. At that time you could not buy Jo's book anywhere. Thank
you so much Dorthy.
A few weeks later, in that same chat room Rick showed up to surprise us
all. It was Zeus coming down from the heavens to share a few moments. We
were a very quiet bunch for a change that night while he was there.
Nobody seemed to be able to Talk with Rick. What a time to be shy.
Sometime after that I found Rick's home address. I sent a short letter
asking for a autographed 8 x 10. About a week later it came in the mail.
A few days later I got an e mail checking to see if it got here all
right. WOW. Rick was actually writing to me in long hand, and over the
net. Several exchanged notes and letters followed. Some came from him
without any prompting. We seemed to connect. I lost several of these e
mails to the lightning strike I had in August of 99, and subsequent
crashes later on.
I sent him a Christmas card. I was so embarrassed when later I
remembered he was Jewish. I sent a quick I'm sorry. He replied don't
worry, it is the thought that counts. Soon after I got my own Christmas
card from both he, and Cindy. Then for Christmas my wife Marta got me me
an original COMBAT! promo photo. Right after Christmas Dick passed away.
I waited maybe 10 days to write to ask him if I sent it, could he send
it back signed. I also apologized for the bad timing, as I was sure Dick
was a very close friend. He mention having to write Dick's obit for 1 of
the papers. Then he said don't worry, send anything anytime, and he
would expedite its return.
I didn't want to bug him, so I didn't write often. But we did exchange
thoughts on lots of different subjects outside COMBAT!
My first real conversation was during his radio interview last month. I
thanked him and everyone who had anything to do with my favorite show
from my childhood. I mentioned it was my most fondest memory of my dad
watching the show with me. Not playing catch or anything else. It was
about the only times my dad would ever talk about the war.
Then came the night of the USO mixer at RECON. I said that after seeing
him next to Lil John for so long, I had no idea he was my size. I was
also glad to see he looked so good. He was happy to hear it. I should
explain that several at RECON said I was the largest of the attendees.

By Whitney Bain on Unrecorded Date:

Rick Jason was not only a great actor on screen,
but he was a great man in person. Well-mannered
and polite to his fans. An actor who showed the
depth of "Lieutenant Hanley" by the look of stress
and leadership in his face. Having to make command
decisions that would affect the lives of his men
in the battlefield. Mr. Jason created the true
portrayal of the officer-in-combat to perfection.
The episode, "Heritage" with Charles Bronson,
shows what a great actor he really was.

By 349thhvywponscrew on Unrecorded Date:

I want to share this with the family, friends and fans who all loved Rick Jason. It is called,

By smarshall on Unrecorded Date:

I had the wonderful opportunity of writing to Mr. Jason about my Combat! Photo Gallery and he was so kind to respond to me and thank me for all the work I had put into the site. He is a wonderful man who will be sorely missed by all. It is with great sadness that I offer my deepest sympathy to his family. He will always be remembered and loved by all of us.

By SS2 on Unrecorded Date:

I will greatly miss Rick Jason. It's strange how fans can feel close to someone, but many are mourning his loss across the globe. If his family has a chance to see this posting, or if someone (e.g. Jo) has an opportunity, please ensure Mr. Jason's family knows how much he was admired and will be missed. Steven Schulze, Combat! fanatic

By Karon Booth (Zeal) on Unrecorded Date:

When I was 13 years old I watched "Survival." During one scene a shelling was going on as Lt. Hanley climbed a bank. He was struck under his chin by a blast. Down the bank he tumbled. Horrified, Sgt. Saunders rushed to his side, Horrified, I watched, stricken with the belief the Lt. had been slain before my eyes.

Now my horror has come true. You are grieved and loved, Rick Jason. May God show His mercies upon you.

Zeal.

By Joe Augusto on Unrecorded Date:

As we grow older, the inevitable occurs. One prematurely (Vic Morrow), one naturally (Dick Peabody) and now one inexplicably. Rick Jason has gone but we will remember him fondly because of what he gave to us: sharing himself to us as an actor and a human being. I am sure that in the better world where he is now, his family of the past has been waiting for him and amongst them is a blond haired, blue eyed man in a WWII GI uniform. This man is carrying a Thompson machine gun and is wearing a camouflage covered helmet.
Thank you, Rick Jason, for sharing your life with us, your Combat fans. Checkmate King Two, out.

By Edward J. Lakso on Unrecorded Date:

The news of the passing of our beloved Rick Jason leaves me deeply saddened. As a writer of "Combat!" I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time on the set. Working with Rick was a pleasure- he didn't take himself too seriously- once a director asked him what he was doing and he responded, "acting!". He was dedicated and talented with a great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed.
Edward J. Lakso
Writer/"Combat"

By Jean Noack on Unrecorded Date:

It's so sad to lose Rick now, after getting to know him so well through his book. I enjoyed reading the book, and was fascinated by what a full life he had. My condolences to all those who knew him best and loved him well. He will remain with me forever.

By Rae D. Stabosz on Unrecorded Date:

I am shocked and very, very sad to hear of Rick Jason's death. I offer my prayer that the One Who formed Rick in his mother's womb, and Who loves him as He loves all His beloved sons and daughters, will reach out in love and mercy to Rick and to those he left behind. May all who grieve the death of this beloved husband, family member, friend and actor be blessed with strength and peace at this difficult time.

Black Bishop (Rae Stabosz)

By Dana Eugene Creasy (Deecee322) on Unrecorded Date:

Alas, like many families today, we loose contact with each other except in times of sorrow and tragedy. I have been away from these pages for some many months now, although keep reading everyone's posts with fond memories of our "extended family".

In my own family, my late mother often said, especially in her final days in the spring of 1994, that we keep our loved ones alive in our hearts by talking about them.

I say we all continue to talk about Rick, Dick and Vic, remembering all they did together and apart, for us and with us and in their own lives and times in much the same way as the song says we talk about Abraham, Martin and John, along with Bobby, too. For all of these men, while mere mortals, were in their own way giants among men in their chosen lives and professions. They all affected people in different ways and left strong impressions and memories behind.

Even those of us not privileged to have met them knew them, if only in spirit. And to borrow a line from the final scenes of "Gardens of Stone", in referring to a departed comrade:

"I knew him... and I won't forget."

By sidney cheung on Unrecorded Date:

To my dearest uncle, Rick San,
It was a stunned feeling that you left us. I still remembered the way you cooked sole fillet, steak, and quail; there is no one can cook better than you, uncle! A phrase that you always say to me, now I want to say to you here: I am always so proud of you, too. We miss your voice.

By Lyne Tremblay (Lyne) on Unrecorded Date:

Au revoir, Rick. À plus tard.

Every time I tried to send out a post expressing my sadness and grief over Rick's passing yesterday, I broke down and gave up. The shock was simply too great. Here was a man I looked up to and had spent time with only days before.
Sometime on Saturday, during the photo shoot, Emile Genest came over to me and grabbed my hand.
"Come here!" he said urgently. "I want us to have our picture taken with Pierre and Rick." Well,
Pierre couldn't make the shot, he was talking with fans somewhere in the hotel lobby. That didn't
matter. I got placed between Rick and Emile, sandwiched between the two men, both holding my
waist. I remember smiling even though Rick's cigar smoke kept curling out in front of my face. I was in heaven right then.
All weekend, Rick told us funny stories and jokes. I remember his little magic trick at the Holiday Inn bar. I bought his book in the restaurant after the cruise when he told René and me about the French-language radio station (CKAC) that he used to listen to in Montréal when he was stationed in New England during the war. He wondered if this radio station still exists today.
Why did Rick do this now? Had he planned it beforehand? Had he waited until Recon was over?
We'll never know for sure. I guess Lieutenant Hanley has now taken his last decision. We all have to accept it, we have no choice. But it's very hard.
My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his widow and to all his family, to all of you on the List members who were jolted by this horrible news yesterday. His loss will leave a big hole in all our lives.

"My grief lies onward, and my joy behind." - W. Shakespeare

By Tammy on Unrecorded Date:

Dear my Uncle,
I am so sad when knew that you leave us.You are always in my mind.I am so shocked by that news.I miss you so much.It is really painful in all our hearts.my dearest Uncle,I hope that you can feel happy and find peace in the other side.I will pray for you!remember,your niece,Tammy,will remember all the happy times we have together !!

By Smooth Collie on Unrecorded Date:

I deeply regret not having the opportunity and pleasure of meeting Rick. I hope he is at peace and I hope the pain felt by Cindy and Rick's family and friends will someday lessen. My prayers and thoughts are with all who are suffering because of Rick's death. I know I am not saying this well. My deepest sympathy and prayers to all.

Smooth Collie

By Paul J. on Unrecorded Date:

Not sure what to say, but I felt I had to say something. It was a shock to hear. He will be missed.

By D.Spangler on Unrecorded Date:

Ahhh, the voice. Double-ahhh, that "thousand-watt smile." What a delight it was for this "Combat!" fan to learn, upon attending the '98 Recon in Simi Valley, that "age had not staled" our beloved looie, that indeed, the winsome and endearing mischievous sparkle Lt. Hanley got to show every now and then on "Combat!" was very much a real and abundant part of the actor who so superbly portrayed him for five seasons. Boisterous, warm, intelligent, hysterically funny, eminently approachable -- Rick Jason was all these things and much, much more. A mere paragraph cannot even begin to capture everything there was to him. Suffice it to say that Lt. Hanley was but a glimpse ... and what a wonderful privilege it was to have been privy to that glimpse for five years. Thank you for your unparalleled graciousness to your fans, Rick. You are irreplaceable in the affections of so many.

By Katja Harder on Unrecorded Date:

Good-bye old friend. Thank you for all the years of joy you brought us. May you find peace and happiness on the other side.

By DAVID AROCHA on Unrecorded Date: