There’s only one real Batman.

And he’s the only one who ever served his country.

Adam West, born William West Anderson on September 19, 1928 in Walla Walla, Washington, was drafted into the United States Army before he ever graced the silver screen. His time as a soldier, however, did sort of hint at such future tinselly stardom — he was an announcer on American Forces Network television.

Upon his discharge, he moved to Hawaii, and got work as a milkman.

He soon got tired of carrying cream to and fro, and tested the entertainment waters. His first professional television gig was a children’s show. A few roles later, he was getting airtime on a program that featured Paul Newman.

He had to wait a few years though (1966 to be exact) for his big, big break — an opportunity that would dictate the rest of his career …

… Bruce Wayne.

Who, as most any American knows, is the plainclothes version of one of the most beloved superheroes ever: the Caped Crusader.

The Dark Knight.

The original Batman TV series ran from 1966 to 1968 and, let’s face it, it was the best.

Why? For one, it was the first version of the comic that appeared in motion. Two, it set up the versions to come from guys like Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan. And three, it didn’t take itself seriously.

And this is the cardinal rule of being cool. Don’t. Ever.

In the parlance of our times, “don’t have any [f bombs] to give.”

Also, the whole “holy this and that” is just fantastic.

Here’s the late West explaining the gag decades later:

One more? Here’s Julie Newmar as Catwoman trying to seduce West’s Batman: