From War Surgeon to Fictional Icon

Despite being off the air for 40 years, "M*A*S*H" remains one of the most beloved TV sitcoms. The character of Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce, immortalized by Alan Alda, was inspired by the real-life experiences of Hiester Richard Hornberger, who served as a surgeon during the Korean War. Hornberger, under the pen name Richard Hooker, authored the novel that would inspire both the movie and TV series.

The Man Behind the Character

Hiester Richard Hornberger Jr. was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1924 and served in the 8055 MASH unit during the Korean War. Hornberger’s experiences, including seeing up to "1,000 casualties a day," were intense, but downtime was marked by playful antics and camaraderie, which became a hallmark of the "M*A*S*H" series.

Hornberger’s Disdain for M*A*S*H

Despite the show's success, Hornberger detested the TV adaptation for several reasons. Financially, he felt shortchanged, receiving only $500 per episode. Politically, he was a staunch conservative and was dismayed by the show's anti-war sentiments, which he felt misrepresented his views and experiences.

The article is not finished. Click on the next page to continue.