Mark Harmon, 66, has been one of the biggest foundations in “NCIS” since it originally premiered in September 2003 with Michael Weatherly, Cote de Pablo, among others. The last two guys have departed the show but he is definitely staying and the first exclusive photo of the upcoming installment is one proof. Despite several speculations among fans that he might eventually leave the show after season 15, his character, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs might not want to give up. Recently, the actor shared his own touching story about his father and it seems that he is inspired by his hero pops to continue what he’s been doing.

Mark remembers his late father

Earlier today, Mark Harmon made a guest appearance on “The Talk” with his soon-to-be “NCIS” co-star Maria Bello. The actor shared the story of his late father, Captain Tom Harmon during World War Ii, where he served as a military pilot in the United States Army Air Force. He said that his father was shot down twice during the war while escorting bombers on a mission, where he piloted the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft. He apparently survived and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star in 1943 with his 449th Fighter Squadron unit.

The parachute

During “The Talk,” Harmon also shared that his father kept his silk parachute from the aircraft that he piloted.

The “NCIS” actor’s grandmother then used some of it as materials for his mother’s wedding dress. It’s apparently a sweet love story for his parents and his father is still everyone’s hero for serving the military between 1942 and 1945. This is one good reason for the 66-year-old actor to continue his role as Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

Mark’s inspiration

His role leads the elite team of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service or “NCIS.” This is somewhat similar to his hero father who led his 449th Fighter Squadron unit during World War II, risking his life to protect the people. Perhaps for Harmon, this is one way to honor and continue his hero father’s legacy in the military field and Gibbs has been doing this too – by saving lives.

When the series’ next installment premieres, we will see him being held prisoner by the rebels in Paraguay for two months.

Here we will see how Mark Harmon’s Gibbs survives and escapes from the hands of the rebels with his comrade Special Agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray). Maria Bello will also join “NCIS” season 15 as Special Agent Jacqueline Sloane. The fifteenth season is slated to premiere on September 26 on CBS at 8/7c.
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