Wasn't Gene Hackman a recon Marine in 1951?

Answer 1

Yes, Hackman was in Marine Recon in 1951. I know because I went to radio school with him. My name is Walter Smith. I was on my second tour of duty in the marines when I met Hackman. We became friends. and there was a third marine that we were friends with. He was from N.Y. and his name was Robert Tomlinson. We went on liberty many times in my 1946 Buick. I have several photos of Hackman and I together.These pictures were taken at Tent Camp, Jacksonville N.C. Shortly afterwards 2nd recon was transferred to Stone Bay, Camp LeJeune, N.C.

One weekend in about 1953, my wife and I went to N.Y. to go sight seeing. We were walking on one of the avenues when I said to her, "Wouldn't it be great if we met somebody that I knew in the Marines?" We continued walking and sure enough, there was Hackman. He was a door man at the Howard Johnson Restaurant! We greeted each other and chatted for a while. I introduced my wife, and we had a great conversation. He told me he was taking acting lessons and hoped to become a great actor. I wonder of he remembers any of the events of his tour in recon.

Do you know of any one else having autographed photos of Hackman when he was in radio school and recon?

w.smith2ndrecon@msn.com