George Poschner
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George Poschner (born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1919), was a former football end who played for the University of Georgia from 1939 to 1942. During his tenure with the Bulldogs, he participated in the 1941 Orange Bowl and the 1942 Rose Bowl.[1] Poschner was born in Youngstown, Ohio,[2] and came to the University of Georgia as a result of the efforts of his good friend, Frank Sinkwich. When Sinkwich was recruited by Georgia, he accepted the scholarship on the condition that Poschner be granted a scholarship as well.[3] He earned All-America honors in 1942, and was selected in the eighth round of the 1943 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.[4]
Poschner served in the U.S. Army in World War II, where he received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and Distinguished Service Cross.[5] He lost both legs and several fingers as a result of injuries sustained during the Battle of the Bulge in the spring of 1945.[6][7] A New York Times report on Poschner's injuries observed, "His brilliant pass receiving added much to the reputation of All-America Frank Sinkwich, also of Youngstown, as a forward passer".[8] The news report added that "Poschner's mother advised Coach Wallace Butts of her son's case".[9] He was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1982,[10] and the Orange Bowl Hall of Honor in 1985.[11]
[edit] References
- ^ The Vindicator, Youngstown, Ohio, August 1, 1999.
- ^ Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
- ^ Frank Sinkwich in the New Georgia Encyclopedia
- ^ 1943 NFL Draft
- ^ All American Bulldogs
- ^ http://www.45thdivision.org/Veterans/Barnhart179_2.htm LT Robert M. Barnhart, 45th Infantry Division]
- ^ Kay Marshall, Community Heroes Series, Alabama Living, June 2003
- ^ The New York Times, March 15, 1945.
- ^ The New York Times, March 15, 1945.
- ^ George Poschner entry in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
- ^ The Orange Bowl Hall of Honor
