M*A*S*H
Sometimes You Hear the Bullet
Season 1, Episode 17 · Aired 1973-01-28
Synopsis
Frank throws his back out whilst spending the evening with Margaret, and ends up in traction. He promptly applies for the Purple Heart, having been 'technically' wounded at a frontline unit. Tommy Gillis, an old friend of Hawkeye's, is writing a book about the war, and pays him a visit. Later, Tommy is brought into the camp, seriously wounded, and Hawkeye can't save him. A 15-year-old kid is in the hospital to have his appendix out. He joined up to be a hero back home, but Hawkeye has him sent home, giving him Frank's purple heart.
In the series
This episode is part of M*A*S*H (1972–1983) on CBS.
War comedy that earned its tears — and a finale still used as a ratings myth.
Key cast
- Alan Alda as Capt. Hawkeye Pierce
- Loretta Swit as Maj. Margaret Houlihan
- Jamie Farr as Cpl. Maxwell Klinger
- Harry Morgan as Col. Sherman Potter
- Gary Burghoff as Cpl. Radar O'Reilly