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‘M*A*S*H’: Several Main Characters Didn’t Have Their Hometown on Camp’s Iconic Signpost

The signpost from M*A*S*H may be one of the most recognizable props in Hollywood history. The iconic makeshift marker supposedly showcased the hometown of every member of the 4077th. And throughout the show’s 11 seasons, the signpost grew.

During M*A*S*H’s final episode, the characters removed their city from the post and headed home, which was an appropriate sendoff. But some of the characters were left out that day because their hometowns were never added to the post.

One of the lead characters, Hawkeye, didn’t add Crab Apple Cove to the cities—despite the fact that he was in every single episode. Walter “Radar” O’Reilly’s Ottumwa, IA, also didn’t get representation.

And Captain Hunnicutt, or B.J., didn’t get the honor of nailing Mill Valley, CA, to the mix because the producers thought that the existing San Francisco board was close enough. Mill Valley is only 14 miles from San Francisco. So they didn’t think the extra few miles mattered much for people living in South Korea.

‘M*A*S*H’ Star Loretta Swit Says Cast Was Always ‘Aware of How Very Special’ the Show Was

The 1970s and 80s hit M*A*S*H is one of the most classic sitcoms in TV history. The show, which emerged during the Vietnam War, followed a group of Korean War soldiers in a mobile army surgical hospital. It went on to win 14 Emmys and a handful of other awards. And to this day, it’s just as popular in syndication.

In 2017, Loretta Swit aka “Hotlips” sat down with FOX News to reminisce about her days on set. And she admitted that she knew from the very start that M*A*S*H would be legendary for its time. But she never guessed that the series would be so popular with future generations.

“I don’t think you ever realize that,” Swit admitted when asked if she knew M*A*S*H would be a classic. “But I will say that while we were shooting, even from the very beginning, we were aware of how very special it was.”

Swit believes that the show came together perfectly. The current culture was interested in the topic, and the writing was extraordinary. And on top of that, the cast has great chemistry. So it was easy to predict that M*A*S*H would be well received.

“The symbiosis, the camaraderie, the love and respect we had for each other. And the material,” she added. “To be blessed with those gifted writers–starting of course with Larry Gelbart. So you had to know that this was going to be an incredible experience.

However, she was pleasantly surprised to see the members of the 4077th remain relevant through the decades.

“That it turned into a phenomenon – no,” Swit admitted. “There’s no way we could have predicted that.”