One of the most famous stories involving Bilko—explored in both the TV series and the film—explains his long-standing rivalry with Major Colin Thorn.
Master Sergeant Ernest G. Bilko is the quintessential "lovable rogue" of military comedy, first portrayed by Phil Silvers in the 1950s sitcom The Phil Silvers Show and later by Steve Martin in the 1996 film. As the head of the motor pool at Fort Baxter, Bilko is more of a professional con artist than a soldier, spending his time running elaborate scams and gambling rings right under the nose of his oblivious commanding officer, Colonel Hall. The Infamous Boxing Match Scam Sgt. Bilko