Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
RATH, Armand
RATH, Armand. (Dubuque, IA, June 29, 1939--Dubuque, IA, June 10, 2021 ). Armand Henry “Sonny” Rath was the son of Henry Otto and Ruth E. (Gorman) Rath. Prior to his military service, "Sonny" was a three-time Archery Champion and shot several “Robin Hoods”-- his arrow split the bulls eye arrow. He served in the Marines from 1956-1958 and was in the reserves until 1962. A paratrooper and a special field artillery battery man, he received many good conduct medals and a honorable discharge. He was recommended for reenlistment.
After his service he formed a Skydiving Club, a Judo Club and a Fast Draw Weaponry and Archery Club in Dubuque.
"Sonny" was encouraged to take his talents to Hollywood and became a stuntman for Warner Brothers Studio in Hollywood, California He took classes and studied acting at Carlsbad College. He taught actors such as Matt Dillon ("Marshal Dillion" of "Gunsmoke )how to shoot and “The Lone Ranger” (Clayton Moore) how to draw. Sonny held a record as a fast draw artist who could pull a Colt .45 and fire in 7/100th’s of a second. He became a parachute stuntman on the T.V. series "Ripcord" and made over 2,000 parachute jumps.
Upon meeting and working with “The Lone Ranger”, he joined the actors guild. Audie Murphy suggested he do a high fall to make some real money. and performed his first for "Mission Impossible" and continued from there. He appeared in many television programs and movies including T"he High Chaparral," "S.W.A.T." "Yuma," "Starsky and Hutch," "Omega Man," "The Virginian," "The Lawman," "Bonanza," and "Capricorn One." Upon retiring, he owned a ferret rescue in California.