Arlington National Cemetery©2009 Destination360
As we pause for a couple of day’s to celebrate our country’s independence we’re reminded that this holiday means much more than the 4th of July. It means much more than a single day on the calendar. As we look around the world many citizens of foreign countries are fighting for their independence to live in a free and democratic society. We’re reminded of the sacrifice of thousands of young men and women who have laid down their lives so we can celebrate around the pool and barbecues this weekend without the fear of being attacked. Of those many thousands, several former NFL players and coaches gave up the game for a greater cause…serving their country and paying the ultimate sacrifice. So as we celebrate our nation’s 233rd birthday this weekend, let’s pause and take a moment to remember the service of ALL those who lost their life fighting for our freedoms and recognize the 26 who had NFL ties.
- Cpl. Mike Basca (HB, Philadelphia, 1941) – Killed in France in 1944
- Lt. Charlie Behan (E, Detroit, 1942) – Killed on Okinawa in 1945
- Maj. Keith Birlem (E, Cardinals-Washington, 1939) – Killed trying to land combat-damaged bomber in England in 1943
- Lt. Al Blozis (T, Giants, 1942-1944) – Killed in France, 1945
- Lt. Chuck Braidwood (E, Portsmouth-Cleveland-Cardinals-Cincinnati, 1930-1933) – Member of Red Cross. Killed in South Pacific, winter 1944-1945
- Lt. Young Bussey (QB, Bears, 1940-1941) – Killed in Philippines landing assault in 1944
- Lt. Jack Chevigny (Coach, Cardinals, 1932) – Killed on Iwo Jima in 1945
- Capt. Ed Doyle (E, Frankford-Pottsville, 1924-1925) – Killed during North Africa invasion in 1942
- Lt. Col. Grassy Hinton (B, Staten Island, 1932) – Killed in plane crash in East Indies in 1944
- Capt. Smiley Johnson (G, Green Bay, 1940-1941) – Killed on Iwo Jima in 1945
- Lt. Eddie Kahn (G, Boston/Washington, 1935-1937) – Died from wounds suffered during Leyte invasion in 1945
- Sgt. Alex Ketzko (T, Detroit, 1943) – Killed in France in 1944
- Capt. Lee Kizzire (FB, Detroit, 1937) – Shot down near New Guinea in 1943
- Lt. Jack Lummus (E, Giants, 1941) – Killed on Iwo Jima in 1945
- Bob Mackert (T, Rochester Jeffersons, 1925)
- Frank Maher (B, Pittsburgh-Cleveland Rams, 1941)
- Pvt. Jim Mooney (E-G-FB, Newark-Brooklyn-Cincinnati-St. Louis-Cardinals, 1930-1937) – Killed by sniper in France in 1944
- Lt. John O’Keefe (Front office, Philadelphia) – Killed flying a patrol mission in Panama Canal Zone
- Chief Spec. Gus Sonnenberg (B, Buffalo-Columbus-Detroit-Providence, 1923-1928, 1930) – Died of illness at Bethesda Naval Hospital in 1944
- Lt. Len Supulski (E, Philadelphia, 1942) – Killed in plane crash in Nebraska in 1944
- Lt. Don Wemple (E, Brooklyn, 1941) – Killed in plane crash in India in 1944
- Lt. Chet Wetterlund (HB, Cardinals-Detroit, 1942) – Killed in plane crash off New Jersey coast in 1944
- Capt. Waddy Young (E, Brooklyn, 1939-1940) – Killed in plane crash following first B-29 raid on Tokyo in 1945
- Lt. Bob Kalsu (G, Buffalo, 1968) – Killed in an attack while defending Base Ripcord on July 21, 1970
- Maj. Don Steinbrunner (T, Cleveland Browns, 1953) – Shot down over Kontum, South Vietnam on July 20, 1967
- Cpl. Pat Tillman (DB, Arizona, 1998-2001) – Killed in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004
*Names courtesy of NFL and Pro Football Hall of Fame
