Ed McMahon is best known as Johnny Carson's sidekick on TV's "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," from 1962 to 1992. He always opened the show with his signature introduction: "Heeere's Johnny!"
McMahon also hosted the popular TV show "Star Search" from 1983 to 1995.
Less known to his legion of fans is that McMahon also had a career in the military, which began during World War II, continued during the Korean War and ended during the Vietnam War.
In 1944, he was commissioned in the Marine Corps and earned his pilot's wings. He became a Marine Corps test pilot and a flight instructor in F4U Corsair aircraft at Lee Field, in Green Cove Springs, Florida.
McMahon remained in the Marine Corps Reserve after the war and was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. He was awarded six Air Medals for flying 85 combat missions over North Korea in an OE-1 unarmed observation aircraft.
After the Korean War, McMahon remained in the Marine Corps Reserve and retired as a colonel in 1966.
In 1982, McMahon received a state commission as a brigadier general in the California Air National Guard, an honorary award to recognize his support for the National Guard and Reserve.
McMahon died June 23, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. He was 86.
Some other interesting facts about McMahon:
1
Before "The Tonight Show," McMahon worked with Carson as announcer and host on the ABC TV game show "Who Do You Trust," which aired from 1957 to 1962.
2
As a teenager, McMahon spent three years in Maine as a carnival barker and then a bingo caller. A carnival barker is a person who attracts patrons to entertainment events such as a circus or fair.
3
He authored two memoirs, "Here's Johnny!: My Memories of Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show, and 46 Years of Friendship" and "For Laughing Out Loud."
FAQs
McMahon remained in the Marine Corps Reserve after World War II ended and was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. He was awarded six Air Medals for flying 85 combat missions over North Korea in an OE-1 unarmed observation aircraft.
Did Ed McMahon serve in Vietnam? ›
Ed remained in the Marine Corps reserves and was called up to serve in the Korean and Vietnam wars thus retiring as a Colonel. Later the State Commission named Ed Brigadier General in the California Air National Guard - an honorary award to recognize his support for the National Guard and Reserve.
Did Johnny Carson serve in the military? ›
Carson was born in Corning, Iowa, on Oct. 23, 1925, and grew up in Norfolk, Neb. He served in World War II in the Navy as an ensign before enrolling at the University of Nebraska in 1947. He received a bachelor of arts degree in radio and speech with a minor in physics in 1949.
What rank did Ed McMahon hold in the military? ›
Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr.
| Ed McMahon |
|---|
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Marine Corps USMC Reserve |
| Years of service | 1941–1966 |
| Rank | Colonel |
16 more rowsActor Dennis Franz is best known for portraying a TV detective and starring in numerous blockbuster films in the 1970s through the 1990s. Dennis Franz in South Vietnam in 1968. Less known, is that Franz was a soldier who served in combat during the height of the Vietnam War.
Was Ed McMahon a fighter pilot in World War II? ›
A Marine fighter pilot during World War II, McMahon sold vegetable slicers on Atlantic City's boardwalk to put himself through Catholic University in Washington, DC. In the 1950s, he hosted a late-night interview show in Philadelphia before working as a clown on the show Big Top (1950).
Who was awarded the highest rank ever in the armed forces? ›
The highest rank in the American military is ''General of the Armies of the United States'', an equivalent of a six-star rank. Only two men have ever held this position: General John Jay Pershing and General George Washington. In Washington's case, the rank was awarded posthumously in 1976.
Who is the most decorated US combat soldier? ›
He quit school after completing the fifth grade. He was nine years old. Lieutenant Audie Murphy posed for this portrait after receiving the Medal of Honor for heroism on the battlefield in France. Murphy remains the most highly decorated soldier in U.S. history.
Who served in all 5 branches of military? ›
Frank Williams, Jr. REENA ROSE SIBAYAN/The Jersey JournalVeteran Bob Button stands in his Jersey City home next to photos of himself in the Navy, Marine Corps and Army. Button has served in all five branches of the military.
Ed McMahon is best known as Johnny Carson's sidekick on TV's "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," from 1962 to 1992.
How much money did Ed McMahon make? ›
The work paid handsomely — some reports said $5 million a year — and it made Mr. McMahon a familiar face, and voice, in millions of households. “The Tonight Show” became the country's most popular late-night television diversion, and the “Heeeeere's Johnny!” introduction became a national catchphrase.
Where did Ed McMahon live when he died? ›
“When Carson moved the show from New York City to Burbank, California in 1972, McMahon eventually bought a Tudor-style mansion in Beverly Hills,” wrote TopTenRealEstateDeals.com. McMahon lived in the 7,013 square-foot, six-bedroom, seven bath home until he died in 2009 at age 86.
Which US president served in Vietnam? ›
UPI - The Vietnam War
Eisenhower ('59 photo); John F. Kennedy ('63 photo); Lyndon B. Johnson ('68 photo); and Richard M. Nixon ('70 photo).
Which prime minister sent troops to Vietnam? ›
On 29 April 1965 Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced in parliament that Australia would send a battalion of combat troops to Vietnam. The decision was motivated by a desire to strengthen strategic relations with the United States and to halt the spread of communism in South-East Asia.
Which president sent 16000 military advisors into Vietnam? ›
Seven years ago, President Kennedy sent 16,000 military personnel to Vietnam as combat advisers.
Were there CIA agents in Vietnam? ›
Vietnam 1950–1954. CIA officers moved to French Indochina in 1950 as a part of the legation of the United States in the city of Saigon. After their arrival, CIA involvement expanded to a new large base in Hanoi.
