Combat!

Combat! follows a hard pressed American squad as they navigate the French countryside during World War II. Led by Second Lieutenant Gil Hanley, the unit faces ambushes, shortages, and tense patrols while trying to stay humane amid chaos. The ensemble includes Sergeant Chip Saunders, William G. Kirby, Paul Lemay, and Doc, each voicing a different facet of frontline life. Episodes swing from brutal firefights to quiet moments in a foxhole, testing loyalty, nerves, and judgment. The show avoids easy heroism, instead focusing on fear, duty, and friendship under constant pressure, with no spoilers of what twists lie ahead. The balance of action and character moments keeps viewers anchored to the squad. Across episodes the team grapples with decisions that have lasting consequences and the show uses close up filming and measured pacing to convey urgency.

Combat! aired on ABC from 1962 to 1967, anchoring an era of gritty war drama. Filmed with a mix of outdoor locations and studio work, the series relied on a steady ensemble and a rotating slate of directors to capture frontline life with a matter of fact intensity.

Its impact lies in redefining wartime television by centering on ordinary soldiers with fears, loyalties, and difficult choices. The show normalizes the daily grind of combat and the range of emotions it provokes, influencing later ensemble war dramas and the depiction of war on TV.

Reception was positive for its realism and performances, especially from Rick Jason and Vic Morrow. The show explores leadership under pressure, the human cost of conflict, camaraderie, and moral ambiguity, delivering tightly written stories that pair action with intimate character moments.

The program earned Emmy nominations during its run, reflecting industry respect for its dramatic writing and performances. The recognition highlighted the show's craft and its willingness to tackle harsh realities of war with restraint and honesty. It stood out in an era of more straightforward war storytelling.