3 Michigan Sports Heroes Who Served During World War II

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Every day, including today, we honor and remember.

On December 7, 1941, a surprise attack on the U.S. Naval Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii claimed the lives of over 2,400 Americans. Today, we solemnly remember and honor those who were lost.

In addition to causing extensive damage to nearly 20 American naval vessels, the assault during the early hours of Sunday morning also resulted in injuries to 1,000 individuals.

Following the devastating attack by the Japanese, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, along with Congress, officially declared war.

During World War II, the military service affected not only everyday Americans but also renowned athletes like Bobby Jones, Joe Namath, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, Ted Williams, Yogi Berra, and many others.

Athletes associated with Michigan also shared a similar path. Hank Greenberg, the legendary Tiger, served as an Air Force officer. Gerald Ford, the former President and Michigan Wolverine, also dedicated his time to serving in the military. Cecil B. Souders, a former Detroit Lions player, passed away at the age of 100 on August 30th this year. At the time, he was believed to be the oldest surviving Lions alumnus.

Today, at Playinmichigan, we delve deeper than mere wagers, odds, fields, and rings to explore the remarkable journeys of three exceptional individuals with connections to the state. Among them is a proud Spartan, a distinguished Wolverine, and a renowned boxer whose valorous service during the Second World War remains legendary.

Hugh “Duffy” Daugherty (Sept. 8, 1915 – Sept. 25, 1987)

After enduring a broken neck that forced him to sit out the 1938 season, Hugh “Duffy” Daugherty emerged as a formidable football player at Syracuse University. He showcased his skills on the field for three seasons, ultimately earning the prestigious captaincy in his senior year of 1939.

After completing his college education, Daugherty joined the United States Army on February 7, 1941, just 10 months prior to the tragic assault on Pearl Harbor. Serving for a period of 30 months abroad and participating in three significant campaigns, Daugherty’s exceptional performance led to him receiving a Bronze Star and being promoted from private to major throughout his four-year military tenure.

Duffy went back to Syracuse to work as a coach under Clarence L. “Biggie” Munn after the war. Eventually, he joined Munn at Michigan State University in 1947.

In 1954, Munn stepped down and was succeeded by Daugherty, who went on to establish an illustrious 19-year reign as the leader of the Spartans, a record that remains unmatched by any other head coach. Daugherty’s impact extended beyond the team’s success, as he played a crucial role in integrating the sport by actively recruiting talented Black players from the Southern region, thus propelling the program into the national limelight.

With a .609 winning percentage in East Lansing, the Pennsylvania-born individual, who was also the grandson of Scottish immigrants, concluded his tenure with 109 victories, 69 losses, and five ties. Under his leadership, his teams achieved remarkable success, clinching Big Ten championships and national championships in both 1965 and 1966, boasting an impressive overall record of 19-1-1 during those two years.

In 1965, he became the inaugural Michigan State coach to achieve 10 regular-season wins, a record that has since been matched by Mark Dantonio in 2010 and recently accomplished by Mel Tucker.

Renowned for his sharp wit and infectious humor, the adored Daugherty has earned his rightful place in the College Football Hall of Fame and Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his remarkable coaching triumphs.

Tom Harmon (Sept. 28, 1919-March 15, 1990)

In 1941, the same year America entered the Second World War, Tom Harmon continued his remarkable and record-breaking journey from the University of Michigan to the big screen. After his iconic and unparalleled career, a movie titled “Harmon of Michigan” was released, showcasing his extraordinary achievements.

Despite being drafted by the Chicago Bears as the number one overall pick in the 1941 NFL Draft, Harmon made the unexpected decision to join the New York Americans in the competing All-American Football Conference.

Harmon enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II after being granted deferments. He became a second lieutenant and served as a bomber pilot. During a plane crash, Harmon was the only one who survived by parachuting out at 1,500 feet into the South American jungle. Interestingly, the parachute he used was later repurposed into a wedding dress for his spouse, Elyse Knox, whom he married in August of 1944.

In October 1943, while serving with the 449th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Harmon’s aircraft was shot down by the Japanese over the Yangtze River. For his brave actions during this incident, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star. Harmon’s military career reached the rank of captain before he was discharged on Aug. 13, 1945.

After his military service, Harmon, who had previously worked in broadcasting for WJR in Detroit, made a comeback to professional football by signing a two-year agreement with the L.A. Rams.

Although Harmon had notable moments such as a league-leading 84-yard run against the Bears, which was the longest of the 1946 season, his professional career was plagued by injuries sustained during the war.

After his football career, he ventured into acting and achieved great success as a broadcaster. Harmon, a two-time Consensus All-American, accumulated impressive stats as a Wolverines halfback, with 398 carries for 2,134 yards and 30 touchdowns. Additionally, he showcased his talents on the basketball team for two seasons.

In 1940, the first Michigan player to ever win the Heisman Trophy was honored as a College Football Hall of Famer. Not only did he secure the Heisman Trophy, but he also claimed the Maxwell Award during that same season. In the preceding year, he had achieved the remarkable feat of being the Heisman runner-up. In addition to these impressive accomplishments, Harmon’s legacy extends to his membership in the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. Furthermore, his contributions to the University of Michigan’s athletic prowess were recognized when he became one of the five inaugural inductees into the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor in 1978.

Yes, in case you were curious, he is also the father of former UCLA quarterback and actor Mark Harmon. Mark Harmon portrayed the character Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the Naval crime show “NCIS” with a feisty demeanor.

Joe Louis (May 13, 1914-April 12, 1981)

Despite not receiving service from his country, the greatest boxer of all time remained devoted to serving his nation.

Joe Louis, also known as “The Brown Bomber” and born as Joe Louis Barrow, dominated the world of boxing as the heavyweight champion for an impressive twelve years, from 1937 to 1949. Despite facing some controversy, he selflessly donated a substantial amount of almost $100,000 from his earnings to the Army and Navy relief funds. In 1942, Louis decided to take his commitment further by enlisting in the Army.

Before Jackie Robinson became the first Black man to play Major League Baseball in 1947, he served in a segregated unit alongside him.

While serving in the military, Robinson bravely confronted a white officer who was making racist remarks, resulting in the officer losing his front teeth after a physical altercation. Louis intervened and utilized his influence to prevent Robinson from facing severe consequences such as a court-martial, ensuring that he was able to complete Officer Candidate School.

Louis, also known as Private Barrow during his time in the service, primarily engaged in boxing matches rather than actual combat after completing boot camp. Serving as a Goodwill Ambassador in the Army, he traveled extensively and participated in approximately 100 exhibitions worldwide, uplifting the morale of troops and spreading positivity. In 1945, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant Barrow. Additionally, Louis received the prestigious “Legion of Merit” award in recognition of his outstanding service.

Louis, although facing criticism from the Black community for his association with a military that mistreated Black troops, chose to silently dedicate his time to implementing positive changes in any capacity he could.

By actively participating in the desegregation of Army buses, he played a crucial role in breaking down racial barriers. Additionally, he showcased his acting skills in various films during his service, notably in “The Negro Soldier.” This groundbreaking film not only confronted segregation but also presented Black individuals in a more comprehensive and patriotic light compared to other forms of media at the time.

Following the war, Louis resumed his career in the ring, successfully defending his heavyweight championship title for a remarkable 11 years and 8 months until his retirement in 1949. Despite his impressive record of 25 consecutive title defenses, he was compelled to come out of retirement at the age of 37 due to IRS complications. Unfortunately, his comeback was abruptly ended by Rocky Marciano, who, being ten years his junior, knocked Louis out on October 26, 1951, at Madison Square Garden. With a total of 68 victories, three losses, and 54 knockouts, Louis bid farewell to the sport.

After Louis’s demise, President Ronald Reagan made a special provision, granting permission for the champion to be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, accompanied by complete military honors.

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