Bears Blitz

Published by Bryan Dietzler on November 12, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

There are probably some fans out there that didn’t know this but the Bears have a rich tradition in being involved with the US Military.  Did you know that their founder and first head coach, George Halas has served in the Navy?  Were you aware that there were members of the Bears that served in the active armed forces during World War Two?

As a former member of the armed forces celebrating Veteran’s Day, I though that it might be important to take a look back at some of the players that served their country in uniform and then put on the uniform of the Chicago Bears to serve their fans.

The following is a look at some players that have played for the Bears in the past and served in the armed forces.

George Halas

Halas is the most famous Bear of all and he had a hand in helping to protect his country during World War One and Two.  Halas joined the Navy before he graduated college and ended up being stationed at the Great Lakes Naval base in Chicago.  His job was to organize sports activities and create US military basketball and football teams.  

When World War Two came Halas was once again involved in helping to keep the troops entertained and happy.  Halas’ job was to help put together entertainment for troops in the South Pacific and he did his job well.

Al Biasi

Not many Bears fans may know who Biasi is, but Biasi was a former guard that played with the Bears during the 1940-41 seasons and again in the 1946 season.  Biasi was one of millions of people drafted into the armed forces (in particular the Army) after the United States entered World War Two.  Biasi served with the Army from the time he was drafted until 1945.  He then came back to play one more season with the Chicago Bears.

Ed Healy

The Bears Hall offensive tackle who played for the Bears from 1923 to 1927 served during World War One during 1918 prior to joining the team.

Sid Luckman

Luckman, a Hall of Fame quarterback for the Bears from 1939 to 1950 was not parted of the active armed forces during any action but he did do some service with the Merchant Maries in the United States during the war.  During this time, he was only allowed to play in games and not practice.

Clyde Turner 

Also known as “Bulldog” Turner was not in the military during any action but he did play on the Super Bombers, the famous Air Force Football team.  

Joe Stydahar

The Bears Hall of Fame offensive tackle played in Chicago in the late 1930’s to the late 1940’s.  He served in the Navy during World War Two.

Paddy Driscoll

Driscoll, yet another Hall of Fame player with the Bears (he played kicker and quarterback) was with the team from 1926 to 1929.  Like Halas, Driscoll served in World War One at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station as a member of the football team and is famous for having throwing a touchdown pass to George Halas in the Rose Bowl game.

Ed McCaskey

McCaskey, the late husband of Chicago Bear’s owner (and George Halas’ Daughter Virginia), was a World War Two veteran who was decorated in the war receiving a Bronze Star and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Danny Fortman

Fortman, another Hall of Fame player for the Bears (as an offensive lineman,) starred with the team from 1936 to 1943.  He along with Hall of Fame halfback George McAffee (Navy) served during World War Two from 1942-1945.

Young Bussey

Bussey was the only Bear’s player to die during a war.  He was killed in action during World War Two in the battle of Lingayen Gulf in the Philippine Islands.  Prior to going to war, Bussey played quarterback for one season with the Bears.

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