His mother was 40 years old when Jesse was born. Jesse grew up in a very rough home in Morgantown, West Virginia. Jesse’s father, who was mentally ill, was violent and abusive to Jesse. At 13, his father died, leaving his mother to care for him and his brothers.
At the time, things weren’t easy for Jesse. He didn’t think life held much hope for him. But, while Jesse had his struggles, he had dreams too. He wanted to be a ventriloquist, and he found books on ventriloquism. He practiced with sock puppets and saved his money until he could get a real ventriloquist dummy. When he was old enough, he joined the military. The military recognized his talents and placed him in the entertainment corp. He served in the army during WWII and toured the western Pacific Islands as a comedian as part of a G.I. variety show called “Stars and Gripes.” It was there he was able to share his talents with fellow soldiers.
In 1946, he was discharged with the rank of Technician Grade 5, then equivalent to a corporal. During his military service, Jesse was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with four bronze service stars), Army Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Badge (with an M1 Carbine), and Honorable Service lapel pin. Through his military service, Jesse gained confidence and found that he had a talent for making people laugh.
Despite his early struggles, Jesse became one of the most-loved characters of all time. For it was Jesse..., Jesse Don Knotts, who brought us, Barney Fife!
View of USS ARIZONA taken from Manhattan Bridge on the East River in New York City on its way back from sea trials. Note Christmas trees on both lookouts atop cage masts. December 25, 1916