![]() Referred to as "the King of Character Actors", Durning began his career in 1951. While pursuing an acting career, Durning, a professional ballroom dancer, taught at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in New York City. ĭurning received the French National Order of the Legion of Honor from the French consul in Los Angeles in April 2008. Additional awards included the Army Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one bronze service star, and the World War II Victory Medal His badges included the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, and Honorable Service Lapel Pin. He was an honored guest speaker for over a decade at the National Memorial Day Concert televised by PBS every year on the Sunday evening of Memorial Day weekend.ĭurning was paid a special tribute at the National Memorial Day Concert when Taps was sounded in his honor.įor his valor and for the wounds he received during the war, Durning was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart Medals. National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. ĭurning was known for participating in various functions to honor American veterans. Durning was discharged with the rank of Private First Class on January 30, 1946. ![]() He was wounded by a German “S” Mine on Jat La Mare des Mares, Normandy. He was drafted at age 20 and participated in the Normandy Invasion of France. He is survived by his three children from his first marriage.Ĭharles Durning served in the U.S. He was legally separated from his second wife, Mary Ann (Amelio) Durning, in 2010. In 1959, Durning married his first wife, Carole Doughty. His mother, Louise (née Leonard 1894–1982), was a laundress at West Point, and his father, James Durning (1883 – c. His three brothers James (Roger) (1915–2000), Clifford (1916–1994),and Gerald Durning (born 1926), and his sister Frances (born 1919) survived to adulthood, but five sisters lost their lives to scarlet fever and smallpox as children. Sign up for a free membership to have job postings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox.Durning was born in Highland Falls, New York, the ninth of ten children. ![]() Whether you want to learn more about other famous veterans, polish up your resume, find veteran job fairs in your area, or connect with employers looking to hire veterans, can help. Want to Learn About More Famous Veterans? Actor Charles Durning to be Interred at Arlington.WWII Vet and Actor Charles Durning Dies in NYC.Two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor.Aside from the medals he earned as a soldier, Durning accumulated numerous accolades as an actor: 24, 2012, of natural causes and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He debuted in film in 1965's "Harvey Middleman, Fireman."Īlthough he gained traction in cinema, Durning still performed in plays including "Drat! The Cat!" and "Inherit the Wind."ĭurning died on Dec. From there, he worked in a variety of plays. While working as an usher at a burlesque theater, he was hired to replace a comedian who was too drunk to perform. It took Durning five years after leaving the military to make his way eventually into acting. Related: To create a personalized transition plan for yourself, and for transition guides and checklists, visit the Transition Center. ![]() He was discharged in 1946 as a private first class. The chest wound that earned him the Purple Heart prompted his evacuation to the United States for recovery, where he spent the remainder of his time with the Army. After the offensive, Durning received his second Purple Heart.īefore the war was over, Durning received a third Purple Heart and the Silver and Bronze Stars for valor. Durning killed the German infantryman, which became a particularly painful memory. ![]()
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