--- title: "Gary Sinise’s photos from the set of ‘Forrest Gump’ are proof that Lt Dan is a national treasure" description: "Gary Sinise's behind-the-scenes-photos offer an early look at his iconic character, Lieutenant Dan, from award-winning film \"Forrest Gump.\"" date: "2022-02-01" modified: "2022-02-01" authors: - name: "Max Hauptman" job_title: "Breaking News Reporter" link: "https://taskandpurpose.com/authors/max-hauptman/" url: "https://taskandpurpose.com/culture/gary-sinise-forrest-gump-set-photos/" categories: - "Culture" - "Entertainment" - "History" - "Mandatory Fun" - "Past Conflicts" - "Vietnam War" --- # Gary Sinise’s photos from the set of ‘Forrest Gump’ are proof that Lt Dan is a national treasure ![lieutenant dan forrest gump]() *(Photo courtesy of GarySiniseOfficial on Reddit)* Almost 30 years ago, Gary Sinise appeared on screen as Lt. Dan Taylor in the movie “Forrest Gump”, with some words of advice that still serve servicemembers well today: Get down! Shut up! And always have good socks, cushioned soled, OD Green. On Monday, the actor [shared]() a few of his own personal, behind-the-scenes photos from the set of the film, offering a look back at some now-famous characters as the movie was being made. The photos show Sinise along with co-stars Tom Hanks — Forrest, Forrest Gump — and Mykelti Williamson — Bubba — in their replica OG-107 combat fatigues, along with other actors who portrayed members of 4th Platoon, Alpha Company, 2-47 Infantry, a battalion of the 9th Infantry Division that did, in fact, serve in Vietnam. In another photo, Hanks is shown putting on a performance and entertaining Lt. Dan and other members of the platoon. That includes Dallas, who was from Phoenix, as Gump relates in the film, along with Cleveland, who was from Detroit and Tex, who was from a location that has never been specified. ![]() *(Image via Reddit)* There is also a photo of Sinise filming a scene in which Lt. Dan swims in the Gulf of Mexico, having “[made his peace with God]()” after his injuries in Vietnam. The Lt. Dan character has long since become iconic, the quintessential tough but caring commander. The role also spawned decades of charitable work by the actor, focused on veterans. Through his Gary Sinise Foundation, he has [helped build homes]() for disabled veterans and helped send thousands of veterans to visit the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. With his Lt. Dan Band, he has performed on USO tours and [run local events and cookouts]() for veterans and families of the fallen. ![]() *(Image via Reddit)* Sinise’s work with veterans goes back even further. The actor, who helped found the now-famous Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, first directed a play written by a group of Vietnam veterans in 1981, later [inviting veterans]() for a free dress rehearsal performance and dinner at the theater. Lt. Dan may be timeless, but these photos offer a nostalgic look at a world when the character was just a concept. So keep your head down, your feet dry, and invest in whatever the next [Apple Inc.]() is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNa4EMUWnAc ## What’s hot on Task & Purpose - **A Marine was asked ‘how many people have you killed?’** [**His response was perfect**]() - [**Abandoned Air Force base with underground tunnels**]() **posted for sale on Facebook** - **Air Force maintainers are getting** [**new ‘janitor grey’ coveralls**]() - **The Marine Corps is officially flying** [**its ‘most powerful’ helicopter ever**]() - [**‘Sidewalk,’ ‘Terminally Stupid,’ and ‘Meatloaf’**]() **— How military pilots get their call signs** **Want to write for Task & Purpose?** [**Click here**]()**. Or check out the latest stories on** [**our homepage.**]() ## Author Max Hauptman is a former breaking news reporter at Task & Purpose. He previously worked at The Washington Post as a Military Veterans in Journalism Fellow, as well as covering local news in New England. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [Instagram]()