Pro Athletes in the Military
Written by Nolan Thomas, Monday May 31 2010
First of all, professional sports athletes are not heroes. They may be people we look up to and admire, but heroes they are not.
On this Memorial Day 2010, I would like to sincerely say thank you to these athletes and to all the brave people that have and continue to serve in the
Here is a list of professional athletes that truly are heroes as they have served in the armed forces in order to serve, protect, and preserve their country.
Jack Lummus- A professional football player with the New York Giants, and an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He fought, and died, at the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service.
Ted Williams- He played 21 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, twice interrupted by military service as a Marine Corps pilot during World War II and the Korean War.
Eddie LeBaron-A quarterback for the Redskins and Cowboys, he served as a United States Marine Corps lieutenant in the Korean Conflict. He was wounded twice and was decorated with the Purple Heart. For his heroic actions on the front lines he was awarded the Bronze Star.
Chad Hennings- A defensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, he flew 45 missions in support of Operation Provide Comfort in northern Iraq, and received two aerial achievement medals, a humanitarian award and an outstanding unit award for his actions in the service.
Roger Staubach- A HOF quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Staubach could have requested an assignment in the States but he chose to volunteer for a one-year tour of duty in
Pat Tillman- A safety for the Arizona Cardinals who left his professional sports career and enlisted in the United States Army following the September 11 attacks. He joined the United States Army Rangers and served multiple tours in combat before he was killed by friendly fire in the mountains of
Tony Lema- A professional golfer who at age 17 enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during the Korean war.
Gene Tunney- A professional boxer nicknamed “The Fighting Marine,” who served in the Marines during WWI and in the Navy during in WWII.
Rocky Bleier- A running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he served in
Bob Feller- A HOF pitcher for the Indians, he was the first Major League Baseball player to enlist following the Attack on
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Great article Nolan. Every American should be thankful for all the rights that they have because of the brave men and women of the military. Of course, if some of them read some of my stuff, they want want to take away some of my "rights". Oh well. Maybe I could annoy Bin Laden out of hiding.