Borgnine joined the United States Navy in October 1935 , after graduation from high school . He served aboard the destroyer/minesweeper ( DD-119 ; AG-21 and DMS-2 ) and was honorably discharged from the Navy in October 1941 . In January 1942 , he reenlisted in the Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor . During World War II , he patrolled the Atlantic Coast on an antisubmarine warfare ship , the USS '' Sylph '' ( PY-12 ) . In September 1945 , he was honorably discharged from the Navy . He served a total of almost ten years in the Navy and obtained the grade of gunner 's mate 1st class . His military awards include the Navy Good Conduct Medal , American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp , American Campaign Medal with " bronze star , and the World War II Victory Medal
World War II Victory Medal
World War II Victory Medal (United States)
Ernest Borgnine