Yes, you must be confused. Don Drapper was really Dick Whittman during the Korean War. He was stationed alone w/ the real Don Draper, who was an officer. Dick was enlisted. The real Don Draper had mensioned he had little family, so when he was badly burned and killed in an accidental explosion, Dick Whittman quickly switched his dog tags and assumed his identity.
Dick Whittman had a miserable life in a poor farm family being reluctantly raised by his biological father who got a local prostitute pregnant. The prostitute died in childbirth and Dick was then given to his father and his wife to raise. (Not a very Norman Rockwell of a family)
Dick Whittman let his family believe he was dead and assumed the life of Don Draper. The details of how he ended up at Sterling Cooper have not yet been revealed, but I'm sure there will be more flashbacks. The flashback last night w/him as a used car salesman and the mysterious blonde woman was the first one showing what he did after he got out of the military.
I suggest watching Season 1 b/c there is a lot more, but this is the quick jist.

From what I'm piecing together, Don Draper assumed someone else's identity after, or during WWII - yes? Why? Whose? What should I know that I don't?.

Welcome to Mad Men. Don Draper was born to a prostitute who died in childbirth and brought home to live with Dad and Dad's wife. Dad died, and the wife married another man. These two raised Don (Real name Dick Whitman) on a very unfriendly, depression era farm.

It wasn't WWII, but the Korean war that he fought in. He was a private assigned to help Lieutenant Don Draper. Lt. Draper was the only person on this mission to hold this spot, and had asked for reinforcements. They sent only one man, Dick. When they were hit by enemy fire, Don Draper was killed and his body mutilated beyond recognition. Dick switched name tags and became Don Draper. Thus shedding his low-class, back-woods identity for well educated--and higher ranking Don Draper's. He was in a military hospital for a bit, then discharged.

Pete found out that Don wasn't Don but Dick in the first season (he did not find out much else) and threatened to tell Cooper. They both went into Cooper's office and Cooper essentially said he didn't care. At which point Pete knew there was no point in taking the issue any further. Thus, Pete and Cooper are the only ones who know that Don isn't Don. Even Betty doesn't know.

@pastry diva - Season one begins in 1960. (I think it covers March thru November) The various characters - backgrounds - relationship are explored. They are an incredibly complex bunch and I am sure you can tell by reading the viewer comments that this show has created a passionate following. Making sense of this convoluted tale would only be possible if you had seen the previous season.
I don't think it would be possible to fill you in.

Season 1 is out on DVD (available at AMC Store. Also itunes and possibly Netflix)

I watched every episode of season 1 twice on Sunday and then watched the marathons and I still find my self confused on some issues. I encourage you to find a way to see season 1 as soon as possible. There are some scenes that are absolutely not to be missed. You will love MadMen even more.

pastry: Not sure if you rent from Blockbuster, but I saw Season 1 there for rent.

I got into Season 1 about 7 or 8 episodes late and just happened to catch a Sunday marathon. I've been hooked ever since. You must find a way to watch the first season! Lots of deep info!

Pastry, go to the talk forum archives for July and scroll down to "Don's Fishy Backstory" and you'll find lots of info on Don's history...

There isn't enough time to go over everything here. Get the DVDs from your local library, Intra-Library loan, rental or pruchase and watch them. Then, go back and listen to the commentary.

In addition to all of the above: Dick Whitman had a half brother (the son of his biological father and the woman he later married) who was about 15 years younger than Dick. The half-brother saw a photo of Dick/Don in a magazine and showed up at Sterling Cooper hoping for a reunion. Dick/Don was horrified that someone from his past would reveal his secret identity, so he gave his half-brother $5,000 to get lost and never contact him again. The half-brother was so devastated by this that he hanged himself. Before committing suicide, he sent a package to Dick/Don at Sterling Cooper containing family photos and other memorabelia. Dick/Don was out of the office when the package arrived, so Pete opened it and thus found out about Dick/Don's secret past.

PastryDiva: Is your head spinning yet?

Pastry Diva

Please get the DVD and then let us know your favorite madmen scene.

One final thought, Pastry Diva:

You can read Season 1 episode recaps here:

http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/episode1

They're pretty detailed, and should answer all your questions.

It's so nice to know that there are new MM fans out there. I took my season 1 DVDs when I visited my folks recently (poor souls live in a very rural area and don't have cable, but they wanted to know "what the big deal is" about the show). After watching a few episodes I knew had hooked my mother. She says I need to bring the DVDs back next time so she can see more of "that gorgeous but naughty Don Draper".

Ardilla, I believe Dick/Don was about ten years older than Adam, his half-brother. Dick's father died after being kicked in the head by a horse when Dick was ten. His father's wife, pregnant at the time with Adam, married "Uncle Mack" shortly thereafter.

Ardilla, I believe Dick/Don was about ten years older than Adam, his half-brother. Dick's father died after being kicked in the head by a horse when Dick was ten. His father's wife, pregnant at the time with Adam, married "Uncle Mack" shortly thereafter.