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Washington Football Team: A Memorial Day remembrance

By Ken Johannesen

PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 21: Eddie LeBaron #14 of the Dallas Cowboys rolls out on a fake punt executed by Sam Baker #38 against Bob Schmitz #67 and Johnny Sample #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at Pitt Stadium on October 21, 1962 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 21: Eddie LeBaron #14 of the Dallas Cowboys rolls out on a fake punt executed by Sam Baker #38 against Bob Schmitz #67 and Johnny Sample #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at Pitt Stadium on October 21, 1962 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images) /
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Washington Football Team helmet. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team helmet. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

WFT Players in the Military, Part Two

Dick Todd

Dick Todd was with Washington for two stints – 1939 to 1942 and 1945 to 1948.  He was head coach (interim) of the team for a brief time in 1951.  The two-time Pro Bowl player served in the Navy in 1943 and 1944 – possibly in Idaho on a Navy team that competed against German prisoners.  He passed away in 1999.  Fair Winds and Following Seas, Mr. Todd.  Your shipmates have the watch.

Ed Justice

Ed Justice was a player for the Washington Football Team from 1936 to 1942, including his first year in Boston.  He was a versatile receiving and rushing wing and halfback.  He caught the winning pass from Sammy Baugh in the 1937 NFL Championship game.  Very little is known about his service in World War II.  It is known that he played for the Navy service team in Idaho against German prisoners.  He passed away in 1991.  Fair Winds and Following Seas, Mr. Justice.  Your shipmates have the watch.

Ray Flaherty

Ray Flaherty was Washington’s head coach from 1936 to 1942.  He led the team to a pair of NFL Championships.  He went to Idaho to coach a Navy service team that competed against German prisoners.  He served from 1943 to 1946.  After leaving the Navy, Flaherty returned to the NFL.  He passed away in 1994.  Fair Winds and Following Seas, Mr. Flaherty.  Your shipmates have the watch.

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