Bobby Jones Served At Normandy

Bobby Jones Served At Normandy

Today marks the 81st anniversary of D-Day – the Allied landings at Normandy to liberate Europe from the Nazis.

While he didn’t land with the initial waves on June 6, golf legend Bobby Jones did land the following day as an intelligence officer. He ultimately served two months on the front lines.

Jones volunteered to join the army in 1942 at age 40 — above the draft age ceiling of 37. He was commissioned as a Captain in the United States Army Air Force. He was released on honorable discharge in 1944.

Historical note: The US Air Force was created in September 1947. Prior to that, it was a division of the US Army – the US Army Air Force.

Lloyd Mangrum, who won 36 times on the PGA TOUR, turned down a job as the pro at Fort Meade’s golf course in Maryland and instead went to Europe. He was awarded two Purple Hearts.

Ben Hogan served as an Army Air Corps Lieutentant. Sam Snead was in the Navy, but got a medical discharge after a back injury.

LPGA Founder Patty Berg served as a Lieutenant Procurement Officer in the Marines during WWII.

Many famous athlets and actors volunteered during the war. Hollywood Legend Jimmy Stewart flew 20 combat missions with the 8th Air Force. It should be noted that he defied the odds in surviving twenty missions.

Others who served on the lines included Joe DiMaggio, Clark Gable, Henry Fonda, Ted Williams and Joe Lous.

Byron Nelson had a blood disorder which prevented him from serving directly, but like many, used his fame to raise money for the war effort.