Capitol Hill Blue Forums Misc. Topics Sports NFL Great Emlen Tunnell - A WWII U.S. Coast Guard Reservist

For those of you who follow professional football you are most likely already familiar with Emlen Tunnell who was a Pro-Football Hall of Famer and one of the great defensive backs of the game. He was also the first African-American to play on the N.Y. Giants, the first African-American to be an assistant coach and the first African-American to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

As it turns out Tunnell also served in the Coast Guard during WWII and was posthumously awarded a Silver Live Saving Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon. Here is his story: How Emlen Tunnell's Legacy Became Part of Coast Guard History: http://uscgreservist.epubxp.com/i/232503/39

SJ~Thank you for honoring this man here. It is well-deserved.

You're welcome.

I must admit I felt even prouder about being in the USCGR than before after having read this post.

SJ~Thank you for your service. I have many friends who have or are serving in the USCG. It is a privilege to know you all.

Awesome D-back. Great Giant teams back then. Em, Robustelli, Tittle, even Gifford before he started talking. Too bad they had to play against the Unitas Colts and the Starr Packers. But yeah, remember Tunnell. Back when players were players.

RIP, Emlen.