Field of Valor profiles these athletes who during a unique time in history committed themselves to excellence not only on the field of sport but also through their commitment to duty, honor and serving their country.
The players, Felix (Doc) Blanchard and Glenn Davis from the 1944-46 teams at Army were the first from a service academy so honored. Twelve years later, Pete Dawkins, captain of West Point’s undefeated 1958 team, won the award. Two years after Dawkins received his award, running back Joe Bellino of Navy won the 1960 Heisman and three years later, Roger Staubach, one of the most electrifying players in college football history, received his award.
Each of them is in the College Football Hall of Fame (and in Staubach’s case, the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well). Blanchard and Davis both retired as brigadier generals after compiling brilliant combat records during the Vietnam conflict. They have been living proof that there is indeed something special about a Heisman Trophy winner from the service academies.
Also featured are six Heisman Trophy winners although not from military academies fought valiantly for their country in during WWII. One of this elite group, Nile Kinnick, was the only Heisman Trophy winner killed in combat.
Their commitment to Duty, Honor, and Country certainly is reflective of the words pronounced by former West Point Superintendent Douglas MacArthur: "On the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that, upon other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory."
