Everybody of a certain age knows this guy .... it's Ed McMahon. He joined the Marines early in WWII, and became a flight instructor. He also earned his carrier landing certification. Just before being sent into the Pacific theater, Japan surrendered.

But that wasn't enough for Johnny's future sidekick. During the Korean War, he flew 85 combat missions for the Marines in observation and artillery spotter planes, and earned six air medals. Later, after the war, he retired as a colonel.

Also of note is that before the Marines, he worked as a circus barker, and also earned money hawking vegetable slicers on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Thanks for your service, Ed.