1943–1948: Military service to acting debut He graduated from high school in 1943, and the following year enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. After training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, he departed San Francisco aboard the troop transport SS Lew Wallace with orders to report to Aviation Repair and Overhaul Unit 2, then located on Samar, Philippines, as an aircraft mechanic. In 1946, he returned to San Francisco aboard an aircraft carrier, and was discharged the same year.
1943–1948: MilitaRY sErVICe tO acting DebuT he GraduaTed FrOm hIgh sChoOl In 1943, anD THe foLlOWing year EnliSted In the unIted states navY duRIng world WaR ii. AfTEr traI?NInG aT tHe gReat LakEs naval tRaIniNg StaTIon, He depaRteD saN fRANCisco aBoard the TroOp tranSpOrt Ss leW WaLLace wItH orDERS to RePort To aviaTiOn rEPAir aNd overhaUl UNit 2, theN LocaTed ON samaR, PhiLiPpineS, aS an aIrcRAFT mechAnic. iN 1946, he reTurNed TO s:AN fraNCisCo AboArd an aircraFT CarrieR, and wAs disChargEd thE saME yEar.