Memorial Day:fallen soldiers(players)

[Big Ben]

First and most importantly, thank you to everyone who has served our country.

One of my favorite players from the 1930's-40's is Cecil Travis who suffered frostbite at the Battle of the Bulge and returned from service in World War II with a Bronze Star and three Battle Stars.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Cecil_Travis

[Tim Kindler]

Thanks to all of the men and women in the history of our country who have died keeping us free so that folks like us can enjoy our families, freedoms, and hobbies. Rest in Peace.

Matty qualifies even though he wasn't killed in action. While he was in the Army getting ready to serve in WWI, he was accidently poisoned during a training exercise by gas which led to his death just a few years later. The strange thing was that Cobb was in that training exercise as well but wasn't affected by the gas.

[jerseygary]

I would think that Matty's death does qualify as giving his life for his country. The story I read was that Cobb and Matty were indeed part of the same training exercise, but Matty didn't put his mask on quick enough and unfortunately got a snootful of gas. He told Cobb this after the exercise was over. A terrible shame and needless accident.

[joeadcock]

Memorial Day has now passed for this year. Though as one person, I can never be appreciative enough, I want to thank all men and women who gave their lives for our country. May God comfort those families who gave their children for what we now enjoy.

In all respect.



Frank

[IronHorse2130]

jerseygary - I too am interested in military history and collect old military items as well as vintage baseball. Here is one group that fits into both categories- A 1944 Army program featuring Joe DiMaggio along with candid photos of the Yankee Clipper.

I've also posted photos of a grouping that is not sports related but hope its okay as reminder of the sacrifice many have made for this country. Shown are the Purple Heart and accompanying documents awarded to Lockwood Darling who served in the Army Air Force and was killed in action when his plane crashed during a bombing mission on the outskirts of Berlin. Thank you to all who have served!