Hill 256

Hill 256 is the 27th aired episode of Combat 's first season (28th in production order). It was written by David Moessinger and directed by James Komack. It aired on April 9, 1963.

Synopsis
Combat! employs the conventions of courtroom drama for an episode centered on Kirby’s court-martial. Staff Sgt. John Metcalf (Robert Culp) accuses Kirby of cowardice after the latter takes off during the fight to take the titular hill. Kirby says he ran to seek cover because he saw a machine gun; Metcalf insists there was no such gun at Hill 256. Saunders and Caje take it upon themselves to find the evidence needed to clear Kirby’s name.

Recon report
Director Komack presents Metcalf’s and Kirby’s recollections as slightly different flashbacks.

At the time this episode was produced, Jack Hogan was not the established regular he would become in later seasons.

Conlan Carter is in this episode as an MP at the court martial. Carter was selected to be Combat 's second "Doc" when Steven Rogers left the series in 1963. In a later interview, Carter said he didn’t think his appearance in "Hill 256" had anything to do with it. He put more of the credit on his relationship with Combat! executive producer Selig Seligman.