A Minnesota PBS Initiative
A Real-Life Sergeant Bilko
Michael Halvorson served for 28 years with the US Army. As a young Captain at Army Headquarters in Long Binh, Vietnam, he worked alongside a wheeling, dealing Colonel who proclaimed that Sergeant Bilko from the kooky television series "The Phil Silvers Show" was based on him. Given some of the shenanigans Michael witnessed, he believes this claim to be true.
I wouldn't say Vietnam was a fun experience, but it was an interesting experience.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: St. Paul, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: Long Binh, Vietnam 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Army
Unit: HQ US Army
Specialty: Transportation Office
Michael's story was captured with the help of TPT's Minnesota Remembers Vietnam team at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair.
Story Themes: Career Military, Desert Storm, Fort Bragg, Humor, Long Binh Post, Phil Silvers Show, Pop Culture, Sergeant Bilko, State Fair Interviews, Watch
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