James Whitmore passed away 6 Feb 09. He was known for acting in Battleground, Command Decision, Oklahoma, Planet of the Apes, and many many, more movies and TV appearances. He was also known for his portrayal of Will Rogers, Harry S Truman and Teddy Roosevelt in long running one-man plays.

What most people don't know is that he attended Yale, was a member of Skull and Bones, and suffered two knee injuries while playing football. The injuries curtailed his football career, yet he managed to get into the USMC during WW II. As an officer, he saw action in the Pacific.

He also played the platoon sgt in "Battle Cry" the screen adaptation of Leon Uris's fine WWII novel of Marines and the Pacific war which came out in 1956. Stimulated me to join the Corps! He was a fine actor. Semper Fi...... R.I.P. Bobgee

Battleground is an excellent movie. Also stars Richardo Montalbon, who also passed recently.

I didnt actually know he was a veteran! I was so saddened to hear of this, the day it happened. His performance in the shawshank redemption was one of the finest pieces of acting i've ever seen. RIP James.

A great actor. RIP s/f Darrell