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Posted By: Steve Dawson

These two aren't in T206, but they had notable involvement in WWI:

Eddie Grant (T205) was one of the first men to enlist when the United States entered World War I in April 1917, and he served as Captain of the 77th Infantry Division. During the fierce battle of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, all of Grant's superior officers were killed or wounded, and he took command of his troops on a four-day search for the "Lost Battalion." During the search, an exploding shell killed Grant on October 5, 1918. He is buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Lorraine, France.

Hank Gowdy (T207) - When World War I broke out, he became the first major leaguer to sign up. With the Ohio National Guard, he saw considerable action in France with the 166th Infantry Regiment, including some of the worst trench fighting in the war. When he returned in 1919, he got his old job as a catcher back, but not before going on a speaking tour of the United States, detailing his war experiences. When the United States entered World War II, Gowdy enlisted again at the age of 53, and was promoted to major. In December 1944, he returned to Fort Benning, where he served as Chief Athletic Officer. He returned to coaching in 1946 with the Reds, and he even served as manager for four games at the end of the season. By 1948, he had retired from baseball. The baseball field at Fort Benning bears his name.



Steve