The Fort Benning Doughboys…
I recently was asked by one of my friends to restore a photo of a championship football team from 1962 of the Fort Benning Doughboys. They were undefeated in their season and are planning a reunion later in 2008. It was a rewarding challenge to take a 40 year-old photo and bring it back to life in a current version.
The photo turned out so well, that I suggested to this fine athelete and retired US Army Special Forces officer that I could then turn it into a notecard. What you see below is my latest creation from that effort.
I also did some research about Fort Benning, located in Georgia, and found that the installation is located on what was originally farmland that previously contained many Native American settlements and has been a launching pad for many outstanding names in the annals of history — “Fort Benning’s long history has produced an impressive alumni list. Eisenhower coached its football team. Marshall rewrote the curriculum. Patton pushed men to prepare for battle. Bradley organized its Officer’s Training School, a source for men of rank in World War II. Powell and Schwarzkopf were honor graduates, as were Eaton and Freakley and other heroes from the sands of Iraq.”
Key to the success of the infantry of the US Army, soldiers learn how to jump from airplanes, the US Army Rangers are now there, and the powerful mobility of helicopters was discovered at “Benning”
Tags: Colin Powell, Dwight D. Eisenhower, football, Fort Benning, George C. Marshall, Georgia O'Keefe, Infantry, Normam Schwarzkopf, Omar Bradley, undefeated football teams, US Army, US Army Special Forces
My late father was a member of the Fort Benning Doughboys in 1962 (Ken Dahlquist, #52). I was telling my mother about your blog post, and she was wondering if you might be able to help us get in contact with your friend who it appears was also on the team. Feel free to email me at katedahl[at]gmail.com
I too was a member of the Fort Benning Doughboys. However, I played in 1981 and 82 seasons. It was a fun time in my life. I remember some of my teammates like Artis Hicks and Bubba Smith. I also remember some of my coach's like John Ross and John Pate. It was to bad they eliminated the program. It provided many of young men an opportunity to grow. Go Doughboy's
Joe, my name is Al Howard ( HITMAN) #56, I also played during thw 81/82 season, it’s good to see that you are doing well, I;m here at Fort Benning and I get to see John Mark and Atris Hicks often. Please email me and I will pass along the POC’s.
AL
I to played on the Doughboy, I played on the 81 team, miss the guys where are you all # 67
John Mark, Atris, Joe, the Hitman I played with you guy, can we get some Pic. of this season.