“Combat” came on ABC and my area only had CBS and NBC affiliates. However, thanks to such sparse programming in the ‘60’s our local station carried the series as a filler when I was in eighth grade. Really enjoyed it.
My Junior High and Senior High phys. ed. coach auditioned and, the story was, almost landed the Rick Jason role of Lt. Hanley. He later did do some local TV work but never hit the big time.
When my son was little (he’s now 28) in the ‘80’s, reruns of “Combat” were aired. When the opening credits and theme song came on he would call out to me, “Daddy, the marching guns are on”, and he and I would sit and enjoy the action. I had begun seriously pursuing the M1icon Garand when my son was three so he recognized that firearm.