Bears Blitz

Published by Bryan Dietzler on June 2, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Bears have had a long and proud tradition in football and no one can dispute that.  As one of the oldest franchises in sports, the Bears have had a long and proud history both in winning games and personnel.

In the 1940’s, the Bears had several players that participated in World War Two including their owner George Halas and often times we forget the sacrifices that these players made to serve their country.

So, in this time of remembering, let’s take a look at those Bears that served their country in World War Two to help keep their country safe from the forces of evil abroad.

George Halas

Many people don’t realize that Halas actually served during World War One in the Navy.  He was part of the Great Lakes Naval Base during that period of time and helped to put together service team squads that would compete in both football and basketball.  In World War Two, Halas served in the Navy once again for three years i in the South Pacific.  His job, much like he had when he was in the Navy during World War One, was to organize entertainment for members of the armed forces. 

Joe Stydahar

Stydahar, a Hall of Fame offensive tackle for the Bears in the late 1930s to the late 1940s left his impression on the rest of the NFL thanks to his tough play and ability to protect his quarterback.  Stydahar was in the Navy during World War Two and once he finished up with his military service, returned to football as the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. 

Ed Healey

Healey, another Hall of Fame offensive tackle for the Bears, played for Chicago from 1923—1927.  Prior to that, he served one year with our armed forces in World War One in the year 1918.

Paddy Driscoll

Pro Football Hall of Fame member Paddy Driscoll played with the Chicago Bears from 1926 to 1929 as a quarterback and a kicker.  Driscoll is best known for some of his long and accurate kicks as well as for his time as a coach with the Bears (from 1956 to 1957).  Driscoll was a member of the armed forces during World War One where, while stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Chicago, he played on the football team and had an outstanding Rose Bowl game.  In that game, Driscoll tossed a touchdown pass to Halas.

Sid Luckman

Sid Luckman, the famous Hall of Fame quarterback for the Bears played with the team from 1939 to 1950.  While Luckman didn’t serve in the active armed forces during World War Two, he did serve stateside with the Merchant Marines and was allowed to play games with the Bears but not practice.  Eventually he returned to the team after the war was over.

Clyde “Bulldog” Turner

Turner was not active in the military but he did play with the Air Force football team, nicknamed the “Superbombers” and earned several accolades while playing with them.  He definitely helped keep morale up for our armed services as part of his time with the Air Force team.

Other Servicemen

Most people are not aware that the late Ed McCaskey, husband of Halas’ daughter Virginia, was a World War Two veteran as well.  He was well decorated earning a CIB (Combat Infantryman’s Badge) and a Bronze Star for his service in the war.
Danny Fortmann, a Hall of Fame offensive lineman for the Bears from 1936—1943 who served during the war as did Hall of Fame halfback George McAfee who served with the Navy from 1942 to 1945. He was with the Bears from 1940—1941 and then again from 1945 to 1950. 

The only Chicago Bears player to lose his life during World War Two was quarterback Young Bussey.  Bussey played just one season for the Bears (1941) before being sent off to fight in the War.  Bussey was killed in action during the battle of Lingayen Gulf in the Philippine Islands on January 7, 1945.

Soldier Field; A Shining Monument

Not to be forgotten, the Bears play their home games in one of the largest monuments to our soldiers and sailors, Soldier Field.  Soldier Field was built, in the original thought, to be a monument to veterans of World War Two.  There are several murals around the stadium depicting its dedication to the men and women of our armed forces and is quite a sight for anyone that is interested in our nation’s military history.

So in conclusion, not only should we take time out to remember those that have fought both on the battlefield and on the football field.  Thanks to the sacrifices that these few former football players and millions of others have made, we are able to enjoy the freedom we have. 

I hope that we never forget these and the other great men and women that have given us what we have today. 

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