How Radar’s teddy supported Paralyzed Veterans of America
Growing up in the 1970s, I was a big fan of the television series M*A*S*H that aired on CBS. Back then, I enjoyed the show for its entertainment value, but decades later as a paralyzed veteran, I appreciate the show in a very different context.
Even though this comedic television series took place at the fictionalized 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) in South Korea during the Korean War, the work conducted by these so-called field hospitals was very real and very serious. Matter of fact, they have been credited with saving the lives of soldiers who sustained traumatic spinal cord injuries on the battlefields.
Based on a book written by a surgeon stationed at a MASH, the first episode of M*A*S*H aired Sept. 17, 1972. In consideration of the ongoing war in Vietnam, the show’s writers were careful in crafting scripts that offered commentary on the war, while at the same time not outwardly protesting it.
After all, M*A*S*H was just as much an allegory about the Vietnam War as it was about the Korean War. With the use of witty discourse, the show’s characters addressed what they perceived as the immorality and shame of war under the guise of comedy.
However, in contrast with the other more cynical and contemptuous characters, Cpl. Walter “Radar” O’Reilly, was naïve and not yet jaded. The boyish Radar, played by Gary Burghoff, was known for his anomalous relationship with a one-eyed teddy bear from his childhood. His teddy bear became a fan favorite, appearing in roughly 19 episodes according to mash4077tv.com.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, so after a successful 11-year run, CBS aired its last episode of M*A*S*H on Feb. 28, 1983. To this day, it remains one of the most-watched single episodes of a TV show in American history with more than 105 million viewers.
While the actors and crew pursued other work in Hollywood, Gary and his teddy bear sought a higher purpose. In just a few weeks, a scheme to help veterans was hatched, and Gary reached out to his cousin, Les Burghoff, for help.
Les served in the military during the Korean War, but he had been paralyzed in an accident. In the years that followed, Les became an active member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and served as the organization’s president from 1966 to 1968.
Together, cousins Gary and Les knew they had an opportunity to help thousands of paralyzed veterans, some of whom survived their injuries as a direct result of the treatment they received at a MASH much like the 4077th.
With all the hype surrounding the end of M*A*S*H, Gary made a deal with a manufacturer to release a teddy bear similar to the one that appeared in the show. The plush toys were sold in a fundraising and public awareness campaign for PVA, and Gary agreed to some public service announcements (PSA). Gary called it a campaign of hope.
Officially called Radar’s Teddy, the plush toy dons an olive shirt that says “Radar’s Teddy” on the front and “M*A*S*H 4077th” on the back. The bear’s tag included a note from Gary that says:
Dear New Bear Owner:
This is one special teddy bear. He was a good friend to me, just as I’m sure that he’ll be to you.
So I hope you’ll take real good care of him and get a real nice dog tag — er, I mean bear tag, to make him officially yours. See the attached coupon for details.
He’s also very special because by purchasing this teddy bear you have helped continue the fine work of Paralyzed Veterans of America — and they’re pretty special too.
America’s paralyzed veterans and I thank you.
Gary Burghoff
To bring attention to the campaign, Gary and representatives from PVA hosted a press conference. The event was so successful that stores in New York City sold their entire inventory of Radar’s Teddies in just 24 hours, and it wasn’t long before there was a nationwide depletion of Radar’s Teddies. As a result of frenzied fans, thousands more of the plush toys were made available to those wanting to support PVA and its members.
Over 20,000 bears were sold during the campaign throughout 1984.
As for the original one-eyed teddy that appeared in the television series, Gary sold it at an auction in 2014 for $14,307.50.
While the legacy of M*A*S*H exists around the world via syndication, the legacy of Radar’s Teddy can sometimes still be found for sale on eBay.
As always, please share your thoughts with me at al@pvamag.com.
