The Real Stories Behind TV’s Greatest War Comedy M*A*S*H

On M*A*S*H, Colonel Potter prominently displayed a framed photo of his wife, Mildred, on his desk—a quiet but constant presence throughout his time on the show. Many viewers didn’t realize that the woman in the picture wasn’t a hired extra or random model.

She was Eileen Detchon, Harry Morgan’s real-life wife. Including her image added a personal touch to the set and connected Morgan to his off-screen life. The photo was more than just a prop—it was a subtle gesture of love, anchoring the character in something real beyond the script.