64K views · 570 reactions | #OTD in 1964, the sitcom "Gomer Pyle - USMC" premiered. The Marines gave the show their total cooperation and allowed scenes to be shot at Camp Pendelton. Even though the show was produced during the peak of American military presence in Vietnam, the war was never mentioned. | U.S. Naval Institute | Facebook

Allan John Melvin (February 18, 1923 – January 17, 2008) Melvin was a character actor who appeared in several television shows including the recurring roles of Corporal Henshaw on The Phil Silvers Show; Sergeant Hacker on Gomer Pyle, USMC; Alice’s boyfriend Sam the Butcher on The Brady Bunch; and Archie Bunker’s friend Barney Hefner on All in the Family and Archie Bunker’s Place. While appearing on Broadway in Stalag 17, he got his break into television by getting the role of Corporal Steve Hens