Boston College Athletics
Eagles Fought For America’s Independence
July 04, 2016 | Football, Boston College Athletics
We celebrate some members of the BC football community who made the ultimate sacrifice
As America celebrates its 240th birthday, Boston College salutes all the men and women who have served our country and fought for its freedom, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. That list includes several men who once donned the maroon and gold for the football team.
CDR John J. Shea '18 was a center on the first Eagles football team to play a game on the current BC campus. He became BC's first Naval aviator and was killed aboard USS WASP in the Battle of the Solomon Islands in 1942. His letter to his son Jackie – a letter that was received after CDR Shea had been killed – outlined the reasons why America was at war in those days, and was widely and well-received by the American public at the time. Shea Field was named after CDR Shea.
First Lieutenant Albert C. Horsfel '39 is former Eagle running back who became BC's first casualty of World War II. He was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces when he lost his life.
Second Lieutenant Chris Markey '68, a former starting guard on the BC football team, lost his life while fighting for his country as a Marine infantry officer serving in Vietnam.
Thanks to those brave Eagles and all the men and women who have bravely fought for our country's independence.
Happy Independence Day!
Thanks to Reid Oslin for contributing to this article.
CDR John J. Shea '18 was a center on the first Eagles football team to play a game on the current BC campus. He became BC's first Naval aviator and was killed aboard USS WASP in the Battle of the Solomon Islands in 1942. His letter to his son Jackie – a letter that was received after CDR Shea had been killed – outlined the reasons why America was at war in those days, and was widely and well-received by the American public at the time. Shea Field was named after CDR Shea.
First Lieutenant Albert C. Horsfel '39 is former Eagle running back who became BC's first casualty of World War II. He was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces when he lost his life.
Second Lieutenant Chris Markey '68, a former starting guard on the BC football team, lost his life while fighting for his country as a Marine infantry officer serving in Vietnam.
Thanks to those brave Eagles and all the men and women who have bravely fought for our country's independence.
Happy Independence Day!
Thanks to Reid Oslin for contributing to this article.
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