Hal Smith (Otis Campbell) on The Andy Griffith Show

Harold John Smith the actor who played Otis Campbell (the town drunk) on The Andy Griffith Show TV series was a Sergeant in WW2 and was born in Petoskey Michigan which is very close to where I live. 🙂

Harold John Smith was born on August 24, 1916, in Petoskey, Michigan to Jay D. Smith and Emma Smith (nee Ploof). He was the third of four children with two older sisters—Kathleen and Bernadeen—and one younger brother named Glenford, who was called "Glen". His family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina when he was a child before settling in Massena, New York. After graduation from high school, in Massena, New York, Smith worked from 1936 to 1943 as a DJ and voice talent for WIBX Radio in Utica, New York.

Being an avid flyer, Smith enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in 1943 and was stationed in the Philippines with the Army's Special Services Division. While in Manila, he was made assistant manager of the enlisted men's club at the Far East Air Force (FEAF) headquarters. As such, he was responsible for planning and directing shows for the entertainment of his fellow troops. His own performing skills were utilized as well in a show titled Strictly from Hunger. He was discharged from the service in 1946 as a Sergeant and was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal.