Bobby Dan Davis Blocker (December 10, 1928 â May 13, 1972) was an American television actor and Korean War veteran, who played Hoss Cartwright in the long-running NBC Western television series Bonanza.
Blocker was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He had basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and served as an infantry sergeant in F Company, 2nd Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division in Korea, from December 1951 to August 1952.
The fighting along the line, which lasted more than 200 days, was fierce. One of the most notable days for Blockerâs unit was May 25, 1952, when they manned Hill 200. During the fighting that day, six US soldiers were killed, while another 21 were wounded. The Chinese suffered 132 losses.
During their time along the line, they also fought in battles at Hill Eerie, Pork Chop Hill and Old Baldy, before defending Hill 223.
During one of these battles, Blocker was shot while trying to rescue his fellow soldiers. Despite this, he remained on the line until the 179th Infantry Regiment was ordered off it in July 1952 and sent to Yanguu, South Korea, where they were put on reserve. Blocker was sent home to recover from his wounds and later received the Purple Heart for his actions.
In addition to the Purple Heart, Blocker received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze campaign stars, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge.
MILITARY HISTORY SOCIETY OF ROCHESTER
ROCHESTRMILITARY.COM
