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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. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Football Team helmet. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

WFT Players in the Military, Part Four

Eddie Kahn

Eddie Kahn was one of the few Boston-Washington players and was with the team from 1935 to 1937.  Kahn joined the Army at the beginning of World War II as a 1st Lieutenant.  He was wounded at Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands and died a year later in battle at Leyte in the Philippines on February 17, 1945 at age 33.  Lt. Kahn is the only player from the original team in Washington to die in battle.  Hooah, Lt. Kahn.  This We’ll Defend.

Players/military personnel that were drafted by the Washington Football Team, but did not sign with the organization include the following:

  • Hank Foldberg (Army).  Died, 2001.
  • Pat Uebel (Army).  Died, 2017.
  • Joe Bellino (Navy).  Died, 2019.

There could be more Washington Football Team players that served in the military and have passed away.  If you have any information, please leave it in the comments below and we’ll feature each player as an addendum to this article in upcoming articles.

Memorial Day Thoughts

It is a time for gathering with family, loved ones, and friends as we enjoy cookouts and kick off the 2021 summer season.  The Riggo’s Rag family is taking this holiday to be with our loved ones as well.  It is also a time for reflection and the service of these players mentioned today allows us to live in a free land where we can attend football games and cheer for our favorite team.  Each of these players knew the price that could be paid and they were willing to do so for our freedoms.

dark. Next. Analyzing Washington's offensive line for 2021

It has been an honor to present these players to you.  For one more day, they have returned to visit us and bring back pleasant memories of football history.  Let us hope for a time when wars are few and far between.  The men and women who serve today understand the potential cost for our freedoms.

Freedom is not free, and the Washington Football players that we presented to you are heroes that made us proud and still fill our hearts with pride and admiration.  We can never fully repay the debt of gratitude that is owed to each of these men, but let’s give something back to them in return. It only takes one word.

Hail!

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