but the charging handle nor the bolt will retract more than a half an inch.  Being safety is stuck, the bolt can't be pulled out which is the 2nd step of disassembly...Any advise on what might be the problem? I've searched the internet and found someone else w/ the same problem but no helpful answers......

Mine does this a lot, always has. I just push the bolt stop plunger over like you are going to remove the bolt and push the selector over to safe. If that doesn't work I  tap the safety lightly with a hammer into the "S" position, remove the bolt, work the selector back and forth, and re-install the bolt making sure that the selector is in safe. Function check good to go. Hope this helps.
Craig

ETA: I think this is caused by pulling the trigger when the selector isn't all the way into one detent or the other; locking up the sear. Which is on top of the bolt assembly against the selector. I'm not saying this is the best way to fix the problem but that's how my daddy said he fixed it ever since he bought the gun in 1950. I f you want to see what it looks like now go HERE.
Craig