Victor Morrow ( born February 14 , 1929 in the Bronx , New York , USA -- died July 23 , 1982 ) was an American actor . He was famous for acting in the TV series Combat ! Victor `` Vic '' Morrow ( February 14 , 1929 â `` July 23 , 1982 ) was an American actor , whose credits include a starring role in the 1960s TV series Combat !